Leon MacDonald lands first Super Rugby job since All Blacks exit

Leon MacDonald has joined the Western Force as a coaching consultant, marking his return to Super Rugby Pacific after leaving Scott Robertson’s All Blacks coaching team last year.

The former Blues head coach joined the All Blacks as an assistant following the 2023 World Cup as part of Robertson’s new team, but parted ways just five Tests into a four-year contract due to a difference in opinions with his boss.

He has now marked his return to Super Rugby, joining a Western Force side that earned an epic 45-44 win over Moana Pasifika at the death in the opening round of this year’s competition on Saturday.

The former All Black will assist the Force’s current coaches during the 2025 season and will work alongside CEO Niamh O’Connor to make the club “a world class coaching hub.”

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“I’m excited about taking on this position,” MacDonald said after arriving in Perth. “It’s a different role to that I’m accustomed to but I’m excited by that challenge and looking forward to supporting the coaches.

“What stood out about this project is the Western Force are very aspirational as a rugby club, currently boasting nine Wallabies and eight Wallaroos.

“The club is determined to become a real force in the Super Rugby competition and their energy and enthusiasm really caught me. Of course, they are also based in a beautiful part of the world, so I’m looking forward to the move.

“There’s plenty of optimism and excitement building around Australia rugby again. I was excited to be a part of this resurgence.”

O’Connor added: “Leon’s appointment is part of our three-stage plan and vision to make the Western Force the best club in the world as a player, as a coach, as a high performance staff member and as an administrator.

“The next phase in that re-build is to put solid foundations in place for the future that sets up long-term sustainability for our club.

“Coaching framework and pathways are a major cornerstone of long-term sustainability, so this is an appointment with that in mind.

“Leon brings a wealth of experience, having played and coaches at the highest level. His availability was too good an opportunity not to utilise.”