Ex-All Blacks coach lands first head coaching gig since Scott Robertson fallout
Former All Blacks attack coach Leon MacDonald.
Former All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald has taken over the coaching reins at Japan Rugby League One outfit Yokohama Canon Eagles.
The former Blues head coach’s appointment comes after he served as a coaching consultant with the Western Force during their recent Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The 47-year-old joined the Force after he abruptly left the All Blacks coaching set-up last year ahead of back-to-back Rugby Championship Tests against the Springboks in South Africa.
Left All Blacks role due to ‘philosophical rugby differences’
At the time, “philosophical rugby differences” with All Blacks boss Scott Robertson were cited as the reason for MacDonald stepping down from his position as attack coach.
Although MacDonald and Robertson were All Blacks and Crusaders teammates during their playing careers, the former has never given his side of the story regarding his decision to leave his coaching position with the All Blacks after just five Tests.
MacDonald played predominantly at full-back and won 56 Test caps while also making more than 100 appearances for the Crusaders.
He is no stranger to Japanese rugby as he also had brief stints in the country during his playing career at the Yamaha Jubilo and Kintetsu Liners clubs.
MacDonald is looking forward to his stint as Yokohama Canon Eagles’ head coach.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Yokohama Canon Eagles for the next chapter of my coaching journey,” he said. “Having experienced Japan as a player, I’ve long been drawn to return—not only to reconnect with the culture but also to contribute to the continued growth of Japanese rugby.
‘I’m honored to be part of that legacy’
“The Eagles are a club with a proud history and a passionate fan base, and I’m honoured to be part of that legacy.
“I believe that success comes from relentless hard work, unity, and a shared purpose.
“My commitment is to give everything I have—on and off the field—to help this team grow, compete, and achieve something truly special.
“Together with the players and staff, I’ll be working tirelessly to build a team our supporters can be proud of.”
The Yokohama Canon Eagles finished the recent Japan Rugby League One campaign in sixth position in the standings, which meant they just missed out on the play-off.
MacDonald replaces Keisuke Sawaki as head coach, and amongst the players he will work with at the Eagles are Springboks scrum-half Faf de Klerk, ex-Highlanders loose forward Billy Harmon and former Blues lock Liaki Moli.
