'Make the Force the best club in the world': Aussie club's coaching coup after sensational All Blacks exit
Updated . First published at
The Western Force have pulled off a coaching coup with the appointment of former All Blacks assistant Leon MacDonald.
MacDonald, who played 56 Tests for New Zealand, worked under All Blacks coach Scott Robertson until a sensational split in August.
MacDonald stepped away as an assistant ahead of New Zealand's departure for two Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa over what Robertson described as "differing views."
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All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald during a New Zealand training session. Getty
The Force have swooped for an unlikely union with MacDonald joining as a coaching consultant across all of its men's and women's club programs.
Force chief executive Niamh O'Connor is full of ambition.
"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," O'Connor said.
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Leon MacDonald of the All Blacks leaves Nathan Sharpe of the Wallabies in his wake. Getty
"The next phase in that rebuild 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 coached at the highest level. His availability was too good an opportunity not to utilise."
MacDonald coached the Blues between 2019-23 before joining the All Blacks.
"I'm excited about taking on this position," MacDonald said.
"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.
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"There's plenty of optimism and excitement building around Australia rugby again. I was excited to be a part of this resurgence."
MacDonald, who arrived in Perth on Tuesday, has signed on for the remainder of the 2025 Super Rugby season.
The Force opened their season with a dramatic comeback win over Moana Pasifika on Saturday.
