New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed that All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald has departed the coaching group ahead of the two test matches in South Africa.
Discussions between All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and MacDonald on their working approach have been taking place for several weeks, with the pair agreeing to mutually part ways.
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Assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact skills coach Tamati Ellison will take on additional responsibilities for the remainder of the season.
NZR head of professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum explained the situation.
“You’ve got two great coaches who have been having some robust but constructive discussions on the approach to drive the All Blacks over a period of time now. Ultimately, they have made a brave decision that they believe is best for the team.
“Leon is a highly regarded coach and has made a huge contribution to rugby across a number of teams in New Zealand, and we’d love to have him back in our system in the future. For now, I’d like to thank him on behalf of NZR and wish him all the very best.”
Meanwhile, Robertson said it was a mutual agreement between the pair.
“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. Leon and I both care deeply about the All Blacks and we believe we’ve made a decision that’s best for this team.
“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.”
The first test against the Springboks is on Saturday, August 31 (3am Sunday, September 1 NZT) in Johannesburg.
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