All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald has departed from his role following reported disagreements with head coach Scott Robertson regarding the team’s direction. 

MacDonald's exit, confirmed by New Zealand Rugby on Thursday, comes just ahead of a critical two-test tour of South Africa. This decision is surprising, given the All Blacks' strong performance under Robertson, winning four of their five tests in his debut season.

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Robertson explained that despite the team's success, his relationship with MacDonald, who specialized in attack, wasn't functioning as hoped. 

"We’ve come to a mutual agreement, which we feel is the best for the All Blacks moving forward, that he steps away," Robertson stated in Christchurch. 

He cited differences in rugby philosophy and approach as reasons for the split, acknowledging that the pair hadn't aligned on key strategic matters.

MacDonald's departure marks the end of a long-standing partnership with Robertson. The two shared a history as teammates for Canterbury and New Zealand before working together in the coaching ranks. 

MacDonald, a former All Blacks fly-half and midfielder with 56 caps, was one of Robertson’s first hires when he took over the Crusaders after the 2016 Super Rugby season. Together, they led the Crusaders to a title in their first year. 

MacDonald later coached Tasman and returned to Super Rugby with the Auckland Blues before being named to Robertson’s All Blacks staff well ahead of the 2023 World Cup.

The All Blacks have had a mixed season, starting with two hard-fought wins against England, followed by a dominant 47-5 victory over Fiji. 

After a poor start in the Rugby Championship with a 38-30 loss to Argentina, the team bounced back with a commanding 42-10 win over the Pumas.

MacDonald will not be replaced for the remainder of the season, with assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact skills coach Tamati Ellison taking on additional duties. 

Chris Lendrum, NZR’s Head of Professional Rugby, commended both Robertson and MacDonald for their "brave and decisive call," expressing hope that MacDonald would return to coaching in New Zealand. 

The All Blacks now face a challenging tour in South Africa, with matches scheduled in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

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