New Zealand assistant coach Leon MacDonald has left the All Blacks after disagreements with head coach Scott Robertson over the team’s direction.
His departure comes ahead of the two-Test tour of South Africa and despite the All Blacks winning four of their five Tests in Robertson’s first season as coach.
MacDonald is a former head coach of the Blues in Super Rugby and previously worked as Robertson’s assistant at the Christchurch-based Crusaders.
In a statement from New Zealand Rugby (NZR) on Thursday, Robertson said frankly that the relationship with his attack specialist was not working.
“Leon and I have been having some honest conversations for some time,” Robertson said.
“As coaches, we have different views and we both agreed that it wasn’t working.
“Leon and I care deeply about the All Blacks and we believe we have made a decision that is best for this team.
“There is great respect and appreciation within the group for Leon and the work he has done to get us to this point in our journey.
“As a team we have recognised this contribution and now we must focus on South Africa. We will have two tough test matches there.”
Assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact coach Tamati Ellison will take on additional duties for the remainder of the season, NZR said.
There was no comment from MacDonald in the NZR statement, but it was said that the separation was amicable.
Chris Lendrum, head of professional rugby and performance at the governing body, approved the decision.
“You have two great coaches who have been having intense but constructive discussions for some time about how to approach the leadership of the All Blacks,” he said.
“Ultimately, they made a bold decision that they believe is best for the team.
“Leon is a highly respected coach and has made a huge contribution to rugby for several New Zealand teams. We would love to have him back in our system in the future.”
The All Blacks opened the season with two narrow wins against England before fielding a reserve team to thrash Fiji 47-5 in San Diego.
The defence of their Rugby Championship title began poorly with a 38-30 loss to Argentina in Wellington, but they bounced back last weekend with a dominant 42-10 victory over the Pumas at Eden Park.
The All Blacks will face world champions South Africa on August 31 in Johannesburg and a week later in Cape Town.
– with AP
