Internationally – New Zealand attacking coach leaves his post
All Blacks forwards coach Leon McDonald has announced his departure in the middle of the rugby championship. The dispute over playing philosophy has been raised.
The start of the Rugby Championship has hurt the All Blacks. The opening home defeat Against Argentina it was a blemish (30-38, August 10). The team's big win the following weekend over the Pumas (42-10 on August 17) did not erase everything. Leon McDonald, who was in charge of the attack, decided to leave his post before the two matches in South Africa. New Zealand announced this in a statement on Thursday. In the New Zealand press, the timing of the decision is being questioned. The Lions are preparing to join South Africa for two matches against the Springboks, and they will need to win if Scott Robertson's men are to win the Rugby Championship.
Thanks to Leon McDonald for all he has contributed as All Blacks assistant coach. Leon has announced that he has decided to step down from the All Blacks coaching group ahead of the two Test matches in South Africa. He leaves with respect and best wishes from us all. \ud83d\udda4 pic.twitter.com/CmzJ6MEhZ3
– All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 22, 2024
“Leon and I had honest conversations for a while. The head coach said in a press release:“As coaches, we had different views and we mutually agreed that this was not working. Compromising our vision would not have been positive for the team. We made the decision that was best for the All Blacks.”
Scott Hansen and Tamati Ellison, who are defensive and skills officers, will take charge of the offense through the end of the season.
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