Highlanders assistant coach Scott McLeod has been appointed as the new All Blacks defence coach.

The former All Black will take over from the long-serving Wayne Smith, who will leave the team at the end of the Rugby Championship.

'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.'

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