A highly respected New Zealand coach and former playmaker is reportedly one of the front-runners to replace director of rugby Michael Cheika at Leicester Tigers next season.

According to Australia’s The Roar, Leon MacDonald, currently a consultant Down Under with the Force, is on a two-man shortlist with ex-Munster boss Graham Rowntree.

In January, Cheika announced he wouldn’t exercise his option for a second year at the English club after replacing Dan McKellar.

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MacDonald, who played 56 Tests for the All Blacks, previously coached the Blues for four seasons after assistant roles at Tasman and the Crusaders. His brief stint with the national team  last year ended prematurely due to reported strategic differences with head coach Scott Robertson.

The 47-year-old had previously been linked with the Reds job once Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss steps down.

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