In a shock development, All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald has resigned following a “tactical disagreement” with head coach Scott Robertson.
The decision comes less than two months into the new coaching team, with both parties mutually agreeing to part ways after several weeks of discussions.
Robertson and MacDonald, former teammates and seasoned coaches, acknowledged their differing views on team strategy, ultimately deciding that continuing to work together was not in the best interest of the All Blacks. MacDonald’s departure leaves the coaching team to reassign responsibilities among the remaining staff as they prepare for the upcoming Rugby Championship tests against South Africa.
Both Robertson and MacDonald said the decision was not performance-related but rather a strategic divergence that they could not reconcile. Robertson praised MacDonald’s coaching skills and wished him well.
Thank you to Leon MacDonald for all he has contributed as All Blacks Assistant Coach. Leon has announced he has decided to leave the All Blacks coaching group ahead of the two Test matches in South Africa. He departs with the respect and best wishes of us all. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/CmzJ6MEhZ3
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 22, 2024
