Leon MacDonald is poised to take on his first coaching role since unexpectedly leaving the All Blacks last August due to differences with head coach Scott Robertson.
Despite being contracted as an assistant coach through to the 2027 World Cup, his abrupt exit cost New Zealand Rugby a significant six-figure severance payout.
Now, five months later, MacDonald is close to securing a short-term director of rugby role with the Western Force, working alongside head coach Simon Cron, according to a report in legacy media today (pay walled).
His ties with Force general manager Chris Goodman, from their time with the Crusaders and Tasman academies, helped facilitate the move.
Speculation previously linked MacDonald to the Wallabies, largely due to his relationship with Joe Schmidt, but for now, he remains focused on his stint with the Force.
However, his presence in Australia could reignite interest from Rugby Australia as they search for their next head coach. An official announcement regarding his appointment is expected soon.
