Rugby: McLeod assistant coach

Northland Rugby Union chief executive officer Jeremy Parkinson said MacLeod was a good fit for Northland. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The Taniwha look set to benefit from the expertise of a new assistant coach who has come through one of the country's most successful coaching systems.

Dale MacLeod has been named as Northland's ITM Cup assistant coach, as well as the academy manager, and will support recently-appointed head coach, Richie Harris.

MacLeod leaves behind a role with the Canterbury Colts - a feeder team to Canterbury and the Crusaders - to work with Northland.

MacLeod boasts a strong connection with the New Zealand under-20 side, having been a selector for them from the Crusaders region for the last four years.

Northland Rugby Union chief executive officer Jeremy Parkinson said MacLeod was a good fit for Northland.

"Dale has the same back ground as Richie in that he has done the hard yards in the amateur game through club and representative teams below ITM Cup with a proven track record of leading and driving a campaign with the key being able to relate with young men."

"It is exciting to have another person on board who has the ability to motivate and upskill them." MacLeod begins his new role on May 11.