Makos keep MacDonald in the mix [Fairfax]

The successful Tasman Makos coaching team is back in place, with confirmation yesterday that assistant coach Leon MacDonald has signed a two-year deal with last year's national premiership rugby finalists.

MacDonald will team up for the sixth time with head coach Kieran Keane as the country's newest union attempts to go one better this year.

MacDonald has signed on with the Makos until the 2016 season while Keane is contracted until the end of this campaign, although the Tasman union are negotiating to extend his reign for another year.

Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Tony Lewis and his board were "over the moon" about securing MacDonald's signature. "He has committed himself to Tasman rugby, which is fantastic."

The arrangement also includes a provision for MacDonald to step into the head coach's shoes if the situation arose.

"If Kieran gets a gig that enables him to coach Super Rugby or overseas, Leon will be appointed head coach," Lewis said.

"We have two outstanding coaches who could be head coaches at Super level tomorrow, so to have them both in our camp gives us a great deal of confidence, knowing we have an in-built replacement who has been trained and guided by the best in the business in KK [Keane].

"There have been a lot of Super teams after Leon, and some interest from overseas, but it's fantastic that he's staying in the Tasman region."

MacDonald agreed to terms on Friday after weighing up several other coaching options.

"We had to make a decision around moving the family or staying and we decided that we were keen to stay in Blenheim," MacDonald said. "I'm happy to coach Tasman again with Kieran.

"We've got a good relationship and work well together, and I would love to be part of that team that wins the premiership - so that's a bit of a motivator as well.

"I'm pretty happy about being on board again."

MacDonald has no qualms about stepping into the head coach's role if required.

"I've got a good understanding of the team and the way we work . . . I've done [the head coach's job] on an interim basis when Kieran was away with the Highlanders pre-season so it would be an easy transition for me if I got the opportunity," added MacDonald.

Keane was pleased to have his coaching offsider back.

"Extremely happy," he said. "The stability that this provides holds us in good stead because, in my eyes, stability breeds success."