‘Dream job’: Why All Blacks assistant role ‘suits’ Leon MacDonald

Incoming assistant coach Leon MacDonald will lead the All Blacks’ attack under Scott Robertson from next year, New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Wednesday.

For Blues boss Leon MacDonald, it’s an opportunity to realise his “dream job” with the national team.

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland and Crusaders assistant Scott Hansen will also take up roles in the All Blacks, while Jason Ryan has retained his position as the forwards coach.

In a statement released by NZR, Chief Executive Mark Robinson said the organisation was “pleased” with the decision to sign the “four talented and experienced coaches.”

The coaching quartet will take up their positions in 2024, while incoming head coach Scott Robertson will replace Ian Foster in the All Blacks’ hot seat.

Leon MacDonald, who coached the All Blacks XV last year, had previously been linked with a potential position with Scotland.

But reflecting on his decision to sign this deal with NZR, MacDonald said any other options “weren’t seriously considered” once the All Blacks position became possible.

“I had chats with a few people, just because you don’t know what was going to happen,” MacDonald said, as reported by Newshub.

“It was a good chance to have a bit of a think about what’s next. The All Blacks was always going to be the pinnacle and the dream job.

“The way it’s rolled out has been ideal. Once this role became a bit clearer about where we’re heading, the other options weren’t seriously considered.”

Super Rugby Pacific head coaches Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland had been linked with roles in the All Blacks for quite some time.

Holland added fuel to the fire with comments earlier this month, too, as he revealed that he’d “had a chat” with Scott Robertson.

While the duo seemed likely to take up positions with the national team, nothing was set in stone until Wednesday’s announcement.

“You’ve got to be really, really, really ready to be coach of the All Blacks, it’s definitely not one to rush into,” MacDonald added.

“Razor’s done his time, he’s ready, he’s got runs on the board.

“An assistant role suits me really well at the moment. I’m really proud of what I’ve done with the Blues (but) I think this is a really nice progression for me.

“I’m going to be running the attack, which I’ve done with the Blues. That fits really nicely with me as well, I’ve got a lot of confidence in that area.

“At the moment, I think it’s a great outcome for me.”

But for MacDonald, Holland, Hansen and even Robertson, there’ve still got a job to do this season in Super Rugby Pacific.

With they’ve secured their futures with the All Blacks, a champion is yet to be crowned.

“I was pretty hungry to win it this year, now even more so,” MacDonald said.

“To finish here with a title would be immense and amazing.

“It’ll be a bit different not walking through those doors – it’s been five years here, which is a reasonable stint.

“To win a title would be amazing.”

The Blues are coming off a convincing 55-21 win over the NSW Waratahs at Eden Park, and currently sit in fifth spot on the ladder after nine rounds.

Up next, they’ll take on the Fijian Drua at Churchill Park on Saturday afternoon.