Leon MacDonald claims that working with the All Blacks is a “dream job” and is the “pinnacle” of the game after being announced as Scott Robertson’s assistant coach.
The Blues coach will link up with Robertson on November 1 alongside the remainder of the backroom staff that includes Jason Holland, Scott Hansen and Jason Ryan.
There were options
MacDonald was also heavily linked with the head coaching role with Scotland but underlined that working with the All Blacks was always going to be his number one choice.
“I had chats with a few different people because you just didn’t know what was going to happen,” he said. “It was a good chance to have a think about what was next.
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“But the All Blacks was always going to be the pinnacle – the dream job. Once this role became a little bit clearer around where we’re heading, the other options weren’t as seriously considered.”
The head coach has no issues with moving back into an assistant role and claimed he was proud of what he has achieved with Blues.
“You’ve got to be really, really ready to be a head coach of the All Blacks,” he said. “It’s definitely not one to rush into. I think Razor has done his time, he’s ready, he’s got the runs on the board. An assistant’s role suits me. I’m proud of what we’ve done here at the Blues, and this is a nice progression for me.”
The 45-year-old also hopes to play a role in selection but revealed those details have not been discussed yet.
“I’ve always been a selector,” he added. “I see it as an important part of coaching – getting the right players in the room is where it starts, and if you get that wrong, you’re always chasing. I’d like to be in the discussion, though we haven’t had formal talks around that yet.”
Looking to finish with a bang
However, for now, MacDonald’s focus is completely on the Blues as he looks to go out on a high with the Super Rugby Pacific title.
“We’ve got so much going on here with the Blues,” he said. “We’re right at the pointy end of the season, a month or two away from the playoffs, and it’s going to come round quickly. There’s a big break between the end of Super Rugby, and when we officially start on November 1, so there will be plenty of time for planning then,
“I really want to make sure I do the right thing and get that title with the Blues.”