The story goes that Isa Nacewa was the one who referring Leinster to Clermont Auvergne's assistant coach Joe Schmidt when they were searching for their replacement to Michael Cheika in 2010. Nacewa had played under Schmidt when the current Ireland coach was assistant at the Blues, and was impressed enough with Schmidt's now famous attention to detail.
It may be five years since then, but Nacewa's eye for a coach hasn't wavered. In fact, it looks like Leinster are trying to use him to recruit their next coach.
Nacewa has just returned from retirement to take up a one-year deal at Leinster. The New Zealander has revealed that he's been trying to convince another promising Kiwi coach to take up the job left by Matt O'Connor's departure.
That coach is current New Zealand U20's head coach Leon McDonald. The 46-times All Black full-back has been making a name for himself with the Baby Blacks, leading them to the most recent World Rugby U20 championship, and his impressive work with the ever-improving Tasman Makos in the ITM Cup.
I did my best to guide the one person that I would recommend. I’ve got massive respect for Leon MacDonald, his theories of coaching, how he does things and what he’s done with the Tasman Makos and the U20s.
His brand of rugby is really attractive. I’ve got massive respect for him. It is just not on his agenda at the moment. He’s got the next couple of years planned out and coaching Leinster, or being overseas, isn’t one of them.
The search for O'Connor's replacement goes on, but it's pleasing to know that Leinster aren't leaving any stone unturned in their extensive search.
[Irish Examiner]
See Also: 11 Of The Most Likely Contenders To Be The Next Leinster Coach
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
