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Super Rugby Trans-Tasman champions ink new deal with Leon MacDonald

(Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

Leon MacDonald, who guided the Blues to this year’s Trans-Tasman title, will remain at the Super club as head coach for a further two years.

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MacDonald took over the reins as head coach in 2019, overseeing significant development with the playing squad on and off the field, and led a new coaching group including Tom Coventry, Daniel Halangahu, Tana Umaga and Ben Afeaki.

The former All Black moved into coaching after injury forced his retirement from the game, fashioning an impressive record as head coach at the Tasman Mako before heading north to the Blues.

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The Aotearoa Rugby Pod panel break down the latest week of action.

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The Aotearoa Rugby Pod panel break down the latest week of action.

When Umaga decided to step aside from the head coaching role to become defensive coach, MacDonald was promoted to head coach in 2019.

The 43-year-old said he was keen to sign for a further two-year tenure.

“From a rugby standpoint this club has made huge strides but we know there is a lot more to do. We also know there is a massive talent pool here and our development as a Super Rugby club has so much potential,” said MacDonald.

“We are developing strong connections within our three provincial unions with a clear focus on growing the game on and off the field for players, coaches and staff.

“I am excited by that challenge and looking forward to the opportunities ahead of us.

“Off the field, my wife and family have grown to love this place. It is a fantastic city which really offers something for everyone.”

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MacDonald said a key reason for extending his stay at the Blues is the quality of his coaching group led by assistant coaches Coventry, Halangahu and Afeaki although the first job is to secure a new defensive coach to fill the void after Umaga decided to pursue his family business interests.

“Tana will be sorely missed for his work both on and off the field, but at the same time a new coach will bring a new dimension and hopefully challenge us on our thoughts and processes.”

He said the Blues also have a top-class support staff led by strength and conditioning coach Phil Healey.

Blues CEO Andrew Hore said he and his Board were thrilled that MacDonald has agreed to stay at the helm.

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“Leon has guided our group who have developed into an excellent coaching team, and a superb staff not only in their individual roles, but collectively into a group who are fully supportive of our culture and heritage, our connections with our provincial unions and development pathways, and to bring pride to our region.”

NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & High Performance, Chris Lendrum said:

“To retain a coach of Leon’s quality and experience is a great result for New Zealand Rugby and the Blues.

“He has earned the respect of his players both as a person and a coach that is borne out with the results he has achieved with Tasman at Bunnings NPC level and the Blues in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

“I’m sure he will continue to make a positive impact to his playing group in the coming seasons and we look forward his ongoing contribution in Super Rugby Pacific.”

– Blues Rugby

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
Three-way race to be number one in World Rugby men's rankings

IF SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.


As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.


Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).

This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.

If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.

Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.

After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.

Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.


Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)

Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.

Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.


Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.


Lets look at what Seeding bands might look like with todays rankings:


Seeding Band 1

IRE/SA/NZ/FRA/ENG/ARG

Seeding Band 2

SCO/ITA/AUS/FIJ/WAL/GEO


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: FIJI

1/8 final opponent GEORGIA

Prognosis: advance to 1/4 and potentially beyond


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if NOT in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: SOUTH AFRICA

1/8 final opponent NEW ZEALAND

Prognosis: You know the prognosis


I am pretty sure this is not lost on Joe Schmidt?


Keep in mind when enjoying the matches.

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