Former All Blacks star and ex-Blues coach Leon MacDonald has joined the Western Force as a coaching consultant across their rugby programs.
MacDonald most recently worked as an All Blacks assistant coach following five seasons in charge of the Blues, including leading the side to the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific grand final.
But in a coup for the Force, the 47-year-old signed on this season as part of a plan to make the Perth outfit the "best club in the world".
"Leon's appointment is part of our three-stage plan and vision to make the Western Force the best club in the world as a player, as a coach, as a high performance staff member and as an administrator," Force CEO Niamh O'Connor said in a statement.
"Leon brings a wealth of experience, having played and coached at the highest level. His availability was too good an opportunity not to utilise."
Primarily a fullback, MacDonald earned 56 caps for the All Black between 2000-2008 and won the Super Rugby title six times with the Crusaders.
Departing his All Blacks attack mentor role in August after "coaching differences" with head coach Scott Robertson, MacDonald said he was excited by the Force offer.
"It's a different role to that I'm accustomed to but I'm excited by that challenge and looking forward to supporting the coaches," MacDonald said.
"There's plenty of optimism and excitement building around Australia rugby again. I was excited to be a part of this resurgence."
