‘It wasn’t working’: All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald quits
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All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald (pictured) has left after just five games under head coach Scott Robertson.
PHOTO: AFP
WELLINGTON – All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said on Aug 22 that assistant coach Leon MacDonald has left his staff ahead of their Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa due to a clash of coaching styles.
The duo mutually agreed to part ways after discussions about their working approach, New Zealand Rugby confirmed.
“Leon and I have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now. As coaches, we have differing views and both agreed it wasn’t working,” Robertson said in a statement.
MacDonald left after just five games under Robertson, who took charge of the All Blacks earlier in 2024 following erratic results under predecessor Ian Foster.
Robertson said in Auckland that the differences quickly became obvious to both parties.
“Over the period of time since we started coaching together, we just feel like it hasn’t quite clicked,” he added, without going into details about their different approaches.
“Just a little bit of philosophy on rugby, how it’s played.
“There was no intent to get to the point where we are now, but we just believe for both of us, for the All Blacks group, is to make the call now.
“We never thought it would get to this point – but it has.”
Robertson also said he discussed the matter with the players after the decision was made.
New Zealand’s tour of South Africa will be the first time the teams have met since the Springboks beat the All Blacks 12-11 in the 2023 World Cup final, Foster’s final game in charge.
MacDonald leaves the All Blacks as they prepare to fly to South Africa for Tests against the world champions in Johannesburg on Aug 31 and in Cape Town on Sept 7.
“Leon’s a good man and a good coach. Sometimes things just don’t click,” Robertson added.
“There’s a huge amount of respect and appreciation for Leon in the group and the work he’s put in to get us to this point in our journey. As a team, we have acknowledged that contribution and our focus now needs to be on South Africa – it’s going to be two tough Test matches over there.”
MacDonald’s duties will be taken over by assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact skills coach Tamati Ellison, New Zealand Rugby said.
Defending champions New Zealand are second in the Rugby Championship table behind the Springboks.
The All Blacks bounced back with a win after a shock opening defeat by Argentina in two recent home Tests against Los Pumas.
South Africa are unbeaten after back-to-back away wins against Australia. AFP, REUTERS