ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has moved to ease concerns about his future in Canberra, declaring his commitment to Super Rugby after the Wallabies approached him to join the Test set up.
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McKellar has emerged as one of the front-runners to be the Wallabies' new forwards coach as Dave Rennie looks for someone to his staff.
Rugby Australia confirmed it had spoken to McKellar about the role, but talks had not progressed beyond initial interest.
It's understood McKellar is the preferred candidate, but it would also leave a gaping hole at the Brumbies.
McKellar signed a contract extension last year, committing to the Brumbies until at least the end of 2021.
The Brumbies want Rugby Australia to move quickly on McKellar if they are going to poach him to give the club as much time as possible to find a suitable replacement.
McKellar admitted the approach was flattering and said it spoke volumes for what the Brumbies are building this season, but added his only focus was trying to win a title this year.
"My focus is 100 per cent at the Brumbies," McKellar said on ABC Grandstand on Saturday.
"That story that came out was a bit of speculation at the moment. The Wallabies and Rugby Australia are looking for a forwards coach, they've got a number of candidates they'll talk to and they asked me if it would be of interest down the track.
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"It's very early days. My focus is on our preparation for the Sunwolves [game] on Friday.
"...It's a national program, it's the Wallabies and I've said many times before players and coaches are the same in terms of [international] aspirations.
"It's an honour to be even considered in those conversations. But, as I said, at the moment it was a brief conversation and I think the headlines and media might have blown it out of proportion."
McKellar is in his third season as the Brumbies' head coach after taking over from Stephen Larkham, who was also lured into the Wallabies set up only to be sacked by Michael Cheika.
Larkham quit his Super Rugby job to link with Cheika with the view that he would become the next Wallabies head coach after the 2019 World Cup.
But Cheika's plan backfired and the disaster led to a falling out with Larkham, who is now coaching in Ireland.
The Brumbies have won three of four games so far this season and can stretch their lead at the top of the Australian conference if they beat the Sunwolves in Wollongong.
The players will return to training for a fan day on Sunday after being given most of the bye week to recuperate.