New Zealand find replacement for Leon MacDonald ahead of European tour
New All Blacks XV head coach Clayton McMillan and the team's former mentor Leon MacDonald.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have announced that Clayton McMillan will take charge of an All Blacks XV which will go on tour to Europe in November.
Jamie Mackintosh (forwards), David Hill (attack) and Cory Jane (defence) will serve as McMillan’s assistant coaches for the All Blacks XV’s matches against Munster at Thomond Park in Limerick on November 2 and against Georgia at the GGL Stadium in Montpellier on November 10.
Replaces Leon MacDonald as the All Blacks XV’s head coach
McMillan, who is the current Chiefs coach and who took them to this year’s Super Rugby Pacific final which they lost to the Blues, replaces Leon MacDonald as the All Blacks XV‘s head coach.
MacDonald stepped down from his position as an All Blacks assistant coach in August. He coached the All Blacks XV when it played two matches in Europe in November 2022 but will not be involved with the current squad.
McMillan was one of the All Blacks XV’s assistants in 2022 – along with current All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen – when the side beat Ireland A in Dublin and lost to the Barbarians in London.
He said it’s fantastic to be involved with a team starting to create its own legacy.
“The ability to work with different coaches and players is hugely valuable, and the team will be exposed to different levels and styles of rugby up north,” said McMillan.
“It’s great to have three highly regarded Assistants in David, Jamie and Cory.
“Cory and Jamie had a great season with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific, while David has been with the All Blacks for several seasons so to have his knowledge and understanding of that environment is critical.
“Preparations are well underway for the tour north, I spent last week with the All Blacks to see how they operate and had some good discussions around selections for the All Blacks XV with the squad announcement coming next week.”
Expecting two tough encounters
McMillan expects two tough encounters against Munster and Georgia as both sides have the benefit of being in the middle of campaigns.
“Munster is sold out, so we’re set for a great match up in front of passionate fans there and Georgia is a competitive team, they came close to Australia (40-29) and beat Japan (25-23) in July so we’re expecting an intense clash,” he added.
NZR’s head of high performance Mike Anthony said: “These matches are an opportunity for our next tier of talent to experience different playing styles and get exposure to overseas touring.
“Clayton has been with the programme since its inception and he and the wider coaching team bring a broad range of experience from different Super Rugby environments.
“I look forward to working with them and the All Blacks XV management team as we continue to build depth of talent. The alignment with the All Blacks is also a critical piece as we commence a new RWC cycle.”
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