Leon MacDonald joins the Western Force

The Western Force have pulled off a massive coup by recruiting former Blues coach Leon MacDonald for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

MacDonald has signed on as a coaching consultant and will begin towards the end of the week.

The 47-year-old was under heavy demand after leaving as All Blacks assistant under Scott Roberson.

MacDonald, who played 56 games for the All Blacks, was let go months into his four-year contract in the position after ‘differing views’ with his former teammate.

It came after MacDonald coached the Blues between 2018-2023, helping the Auckland side to a Super Rugby trans-Tasman title in 2021 and following this up with their maiden Super Rugby Final appearance in just under 20 years.

He will work across the entire program, landing in Perth on Tuesday ahead of the new role.

“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.

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

“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,” Force CEO Niamh O’Connor added.

“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 utilize.”