Blues head coach Leon MacDonald has been named to lead the All Blacks XV for matches in Ireland and England in November.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
Photo: Photosport/Clay Cross
The 56-test All Black takes charge for the matches against Ireland A in Dublin and the Barbarians in London.
The second fixture will be played the home stadium of English Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur.
“It’s an honour to coach any team with the silver fern on the jersey and I’m looking forward to coaching a strong squad for what will be two tough matches,” said MacDonald, who will have Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen as assistant coaches.
“This team is representing New Zealand on the world stage and we will be taking that responsibility very seriously, particularly as the first group to wear the All Blacks XV jersey.”
The matches will be played in the lead up to the All Blacks test against Wales in Cardiff and then Scotland in Edinburgh.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who will name the All Blacks XV squad alongside his fellow All Blacks selectors, said last week he expected there would be minimal crossover of players between the two teams.
“The quality of these matches will present an ideal challenge and opportunity to experience different playing styles and get exposure to overseas touring,” said NZR head of high performance Mike Anthony.
“To play against international opposition, in front of large, passionate crowds is invaluable for our next tier of talent a year out from RWC 2023.”
The All Blacks XV matches were being run in partnership with sports promotion company Rugby Live, who were also involved with the two All Blacks tests in Chicago, one in Washington DC and the UK Barbarians match in 2017.
All Blacks XV Northern Tour schedule:
November 4: vs Ireland A, RDS Arena, Dublin
November 13: vs Barbarians, Tottenham Stadium, London
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