SUVA - Former Wallaby Ilie Tabua stood down today as head coach of the Pacific Islanders rugby squad to tour Europe but they will still have a strong Australian influence.

Tabua cited unforeseen personal circumstances, including time pressures, in announcing his decision to miss the November tour which features Tests against England, France and Italy.

Tongan World Cup coach Quiddus Fielea, previously in charge of the Pacific Islanders' backline, has been appointed to replace Tabua as head coach with former Wallaby fullback Glen Ella coming in as backs mentor.

Another Australian, John McKee, will act as skills coach on the tour which begins on November 2.

"Fielea is the head coach of Tonga and no stranger to the pressures of Test match rugby," said Pacific Rugby LTD chairman Keni Dakuidreketi.

AP