Leon MacDonald to draw on former connections in new All Blacks role

Blues head coach Leon MacDonald is making no secret of his desire to be part of the All Blacks coaching staff.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

New All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald says when the opportunity arose to coach his home country, all other options became easy to turn down.

MacDonald was officially appointed yesterday among four assistants named as part of All Blacks coach in waiting Scott Robertson coaching team.

The 56-test All Black says overseas interest, such as a rumoured offer to coach Scotland, did not tempt him away from Aotearoa.

“The All Blacks was always going to be the pinnacle and the dream job and the way it’s rolled out has been ideal. Once this role become a little bit clearer, other options were not seriously considered.”

MacDonald said he owes more to former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans than he possibly realises.

“I’ve started finding myself quoting him but hoping my sentences make more sense than his do. He’s a friend and a mentor and a guy I’ll lean on, I value his opinion immensely.”

He said even before hanging up the boots, the whistle called to him.

“I was still playing and even just when I was playing strategy meetings and I was heavily involved in those and when I was playing I’d go down and start coaching the 1st XV with Christ College and got a real taste for it there.”

MacDonald said he has been reflecting on his journey from Marlborough to Auckland, and those who helped him move into coaching after his playing career.

“I was surrounded with people with strong rugby brains, being in a room with guys like Merts, Robbie, Dan Carter, Aaron Mauger and Justin Marshall fostered a determination and competitiveness to win and to really think about the game a lot. So I suppose my environment probably nurtured a thirst to be involved with with coaching.”

The Crusaders centurion said whether named as a player or a coach, the honour of the black jersey does not wane.

“To be involved in any All Black team is a massive privilege.”

MacDonald said Scott Robertson already has a proven track record of success.

“He’s got runs on the board and I think an assistant role, suits me really well at the moment.”

Robertson first applied for the job in 2019 and approached MacDonald about assisting him.

“We had that conversation then and it’s basically just carried on since then, he’s been biding his time and he’s just sort of been keeping us in the loop with what’s been happening at NZR level. So it’s been a long time coming.”

However, MacDonald said he has a job to do with the Blues first.

“I was pretty hungry to win it this year and now even more so, to finish up here with the title would just be immense and amazing. There is a big break between the end of the Super season and when we officially start in November so there is plenty of time to start thinking and planning. I just really want to make sure I get that title with the Blues.”