Scott McLeod has been appointed as the next All Blacks assistant coach, New Zealand Rugby announced Saturday morning.
McLeod will replace incumbent Wayne Smith who announced last month that he'd be stepping down from the role at the end of the Rugby Championship.
The 44-year-old currently plies his trade as assistant coach for Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders.
Signing on until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, McLeod will be an observer during this year's Rugby Championship before taking the reigns.
"I'm very honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to work with the All Blacks as defence coach," McLeod said.
"Having worked in Super Rugby for the last eight years with some of New Zealand's top rugby talent, I was highly motivated to continue that, but at a higher level. To work with the All Blacks in pinnacle events will be both challenging and rewarding.
"I'm very grateful to the Highlanders club for supporting me for the last five years and also encouraging me into this role. On behalf of my family, I'd also like to thanks so many people for their ongoing support."
New Zealand Rugby Chief executive Steve Tew said McLean is an outstanding coach and they were pleased to have him join the All Blacks.
"He's been a key part of the Highlanders coaching team which has enjoyed fantastic success in recent years," said Tew.
"They were champions in 2015, semi-finalists last year and have already qualified for the playoffs this season. The win over the British and Irish Lions last week was obviously special for him and the team. We look forward to seeing him join the team later in the year."
The appointment leaves the numbers of potential candidates for the Highlanders head coach role dwindling with Tony Brown heading north at the end of the Super Rugby season.
Aaron Mauger is now a firm favourite for the Highlanders top job.
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