Leon MacDonald
New ZealandathleteMaleb. 19795.0Global Dominance: 0.00%Leon MacDonald is a former professional rugby player and coach from New Zealand, known for his tenure as an assistant coach with the All Blacks and as head coach of the Blues in Super Rugby. After leaving his position with the All Blacks, MacDonald has been in the news for his imminent appointment as the director of rugby for the Western Force, marking his first coaching role since his departure.
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Recent news mentions
Ellison progressed his coaching career, particularly in the collisions and defence departments, with Wellington and the Crusaders before joining Robertson’s All Blacks coaching team after Leon MacDonald’s abrupt departure in mid-2024.
Super Rugby Pacific: Former All Blacks assistant coaches to join forces amid Blues shake-upNew Zealand· 2026-06-02
Leon MacDonald is a former All Blacks assistant coach who left during Robertson's tenure.
Inside the exit of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson: New details of how and why a dream role unravelled in one of the world’s most storied sports teamsNew Zealand· 2026-02-06
Leon MacDonald was one of the assistant coaches lost during Robertson's tenure, suggesting something amiss in the control centre.
The telling black marks that Scott Robertson had to go as All Blacks coach - Paul LewisNew Zealand· 2026-01-25
Leon MacDonald departed as one of Robertson's assistants during a challenging period.
Next All Blacks coach: Jeff Wilson backs Jamie Joseph to succeed Scott RobertsonNew Zealand· 2026-01-17
Leon MacDonald left his position in the All Blacks coaching group after discussions with Scott Robertson.
All Blacks: The Scott Robertson era - how Razor lost his edgeNew Zealand· 2026-01-15
Leon MacDonald is one of the assistant coaches who voluntarily departed in the past two years.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson set to departNew Zealand· 2026-01-15
Leon MacDonald is one of the assistant coaches who voluntarily departed in the last two years, raising concerns within the All Blacks.
All Blacks review: Ardie Savea future in doubt as NZ Rugby faces player revoltNew Zealand· 2026-01-14
Leon MacDonald is one of the assistant coaches who voluntarily departed in the last two years, raising concerns about the All Blacks' management.
Pressure builds on All Blacks coaches as internal frustrations emergeNew Zealand· 2025-12-12
Leon MacDonald was one of the assistants who exited the All Blacks coaching team.
Rating Razor: How All Blacks coach Scott Robertson performed in year two and what must changeNew Zealand· 2025-12-06
Leon MacDonald quit as an assistant coach for the All Blacks after four tests.
David Kirk’s nuclear option; NZR’s deficit between promise and performance; the high-performance conundrum; chasing the Boks – Inside RugbyNew Zealand· 2025-11-21
Leon MacDonald was part of Scott Robertson's original coaching team but left due to differing views.
All Blacks v England: Lack of progress casts Scott Robertson’s coaching team in the spotlight - OpinionNew Zealand· 2025-11-17
Leon MacDonald quit as an assistant coach after just four tests.
Huge pay day the main reason All Blacks are facing Ireland in Chicago – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-10-30Leon MacDonald had an abrupt departure from the All Blacks coaching team.
All Blacks add new coach to Scott Robertson’s team as Bryn Evans named lineout coachNew Zealand· 2025-06-13
Leon MacDonald quit as an assistant coach for the All Blacks after just five tests due to a lack of compatibility with head coach Scott Robertson.
Rugby must tackle its coaching respect issue after Milton Haig quits - Gregor PaulNew Zealand· 2025-05-30
Leon MacDonald parted ways with the team after four tests.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett carrying heavy burden of leadership – Gregor PaulNew Zealand· 2025-04-11
Leon MacDonald is an assistant coach who left his position four games into the season.
Mark Robinson: NZ Rugby CEO gets a rebranding with Gregor PaulNew Zealand· 2025-03-27
Leon MacDonald abruptly exited as attack coach five tests into the year.
Scott Robertson reflects on rookie year as All Blacks coachNew Zealand· 2025-03-19
MacDonald is moving on to a surprise destination, close to agreeing terms to join the Western Force in a short-term director of rugby role.
Leon MacDonald in line to join Western Force, land first job since All Blacks departureNew Zealand· 2025-02-18
