The Blues are elated with the news that current Head Coach, Leon MacDonald, has been announced as Head Coach of the All Blacks XV.

MacDonald will guide the team on a two-match end of year tour, with Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen also announced as Assistant Coaches of the team.

But fear-not Blues fans, MacDonald will be back to take the reins for the Blues in 2023 after his secondment overseas!

MacDonald, who played 56-Tests for the All Blacks, said the tour would provide a huge challenge and a valuable experience for the players selected.

“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. 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 match against the Barbarians, will be played at the 62,000 capacity Tottenham Stadium, the home venue for English Premier League football side Tottenham Hotspur. While the Ireland A match will be played in front of a passionate Dublin crowd at RDS Arena. 

The All Blacks XV follows in the footsteps of similar teams which have assembled throughout New Zealand rugby's history, including the Junior All Blacks, New Zealand A and Emerging Players. 

All Blacks XV 2022 Northern Tour schedule:  

v Ireland A, Friday, 4 November, RDS Arena, Dublin

v Barbarians, Sunday 13 November, Tottenham Stadium, London