Leon MacDonald has been announced as head coach of the All Blacks XV and will guide the team on a two-match end of year tour, with Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen also announced as assistant coaches of the team.
MacDonald, who played 56 tests for the All Blacks, and is the head coach of the Blues Super Rugby team, said the tour would provide a huge challenge and a valuable experience for the players selected.
"It's an honour to coach any team with the silver fern on the jersey and I'm looking forward to coaching a strong squad for what will be two tough matches. This team is representing New Zealand on the world stage and we will be taking that responsibility very seriously, particularly as the first group to wear the All Blacks XV jersey."
The match against the Barbarians will be played on November 13 at the 62,000 capacity Tottenham Stadium, the home venue for English Premier League football side Tottenham Hotspur. The Ireland A match will be played in front of a Dublin crowd at RDS Arena on November 4.
NZR head of high performance Mike Anthony said: "The quality of these matches will present an ideal challenge and opportunity to experience different playing styles and get exposure to overseas touring. To play against international opposition, in front of large, passionate crowds is invaluable for our next tier of talent a year out from RWC 2023."
