Munster remain without a permanent successor to Graham Rowntree since the URC winning coach's suprise departure earlier this season but Leon MacDonald is now rumoured to be in the mix.
MacDonald, who had been working under Scott 'Razor' Robertson on the New Zealand coaching ticket, surprisingly departed his role last summer.
Explaining MacDonald's departure, Robertson cited differences in tactical approach as a key factor in the decision to split.
Leon and I have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now," he said.
"As coaches we have differing views and both agreed it wasn’t working. Leon and I both care deeply about the All Blacks and we believe we’ve made a decision that’s best for this team."
MacDonald, who played with the All Blacks across an eight-year spell, coached the All Blacks XV that beat Ireland in 2022.
He then took the head coach role at the Blues before Robertson, who worked with MacDonald at Crusaders, added the 47-year-old to his coaching ticket.
4 November 2022; All Blacks head coach Leon MacDonald before the match between Ireland A and All Blacks XV at RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Australia have been linked with MacDonald as they look to continue their rebuild under Joe Schmidt, who has extended his stay to beyond the 2025 Rugby Championship in October.
MacDonald has been part of the All Blacks coaching team since April of 2023, meaning he worked alongside Schmidt for the side's run to the World Cup final in France .
The pair also worked together when Schmidt was an assistant coach with the Blues under MacDonald's tenure between 2022 and 2023.
Leon MacDonald rumoured to have interviewed for Munster job
However, Munster are also rumoured to be on the hunt for MacDonald's services, according to former Ireland international Bernard Jackman.
The prominent rugby pundit, who was speaking on the RTÉ Rugby Podcast, gave light to the claim that Munster have interviewed MacDonald in their ongoing search to find a permanent head coach.
'Leon MacDonald apparently was interviewed for Munster - that is the rumour," he said.
"And I know he is actively looking to get back into coaching. He has been linked with Australia as well."
MacDonald is not a name that has reportedly been linked with Munster to any great extent, but he would be an exciting prospect at Thomond Park.
He is known for implementing an attacking brand of rugby which would be in-keeping with what Rowntree and assistant Mike Prendergast have established at the province in recent seasons.
