Wallabies snare All Blacks assistant as defence coach

Darren Walton | March 23, 2026

The Wallabies have struck a timely trans-Tasman blow, securing former All Blacks assistant Scott McLeod as defence coach for the next three years.

McLeod was a member of the All Blacks coaching staff at the past two Rugby World Cups, serving under Steve Hansen and Ian Foster and alongside the likes of Mike Cron and incumbent Wallabies mentor Joe Schmidt.

Now he will be helping plot New Zealand’s downfall at next year’s global showpiece in Australia, when the Wallabies and All Blacks will square off in the pool stages for the first time.

The 53-year-old will join the Australian set-up ahead of the August 8 Test against Japan, which will mark Les Kiss’s first game as Wallabies head coach.

Current assistant Laurie Fisher, who rejoined the Wallabies in 2024 under Schmidt, will transition to a consultancy role, ensuring continuity across the Australian men’s high performance system.

Born in Brisbane, McLeod was raised in New Zealand and represented the Chiefs across 44 games and the All Blacks in 10 Tests as a centre.

After an eight-year playing stint in Japan, McLeod returned to New Zealand to embark on a successful coaching career with Waikato, the Chiefs and the Highlanders, before taking on the role of All Blacks assistant coach in 2017.

He remained a key figure in New Zealand’s national set-up for the next seven years – including at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups – and has most recently served as an assistant with the Kubota Spears in the Japan Rugby League One competition.

“I am very excited to return to international rugby, especially to join up with Les and the team to build on the foundations that have been put in place,” McLeod said.

“There is a lot of excitement building within Rugby Australia and I am really committed to doing my part. I am looking forward to connecting with RA, the players and everyone who is invested in this team.”

Rugby Australia’s director of high performance Peter Horne said he and Kiss had been in constant discussion with McLeod for months. 

“We could see the value he would bring to the Wallabies coaching team and management as a whole,” Horne said.

“From the Highlanders’ first Super Rugby title in 2015 to the most recent Rugby World Cup final, Scott’s resume and reputation are of the highest calibre and I am confident he will make a positive impact on the Wallabies.”