regattas during August. At the Hammersmith regatta, the New Zealand eight defeated a fancied Gladstone crew by one quarter of a boat length, but finished third in the final, 10 boat lengths behind the RAAF and Barnes club crews. A week later at Weybridge, the New Zealand Services eight was beaten by Barnes in the first heat, with the RAAF crew winning the final over Gladstone. Four of the oarsmen from the New Zealand Services eight, including Macdonald, competed as a four at the Greenwich regatta, winning their heat but being defeated in the final. Rugby union Provincial A three-quarter and full-back, Macdonald represented Manawhenua and Marlborough at a provincial level. At the start of the 1927 season, Macdonald was transferred from Marlborough to Manawhenua. He scored the final try when Manawhenua wrested the Ranfurly Shield from Wairarapa 18–16 at Carterton on 6 August 1927. Macdonald played a "slashing game", scoring three tries in his team's second defence of the Ranfurly Shield, against Wanganui, with the holders running out the winners by 25 points to 6. Manawhenua lost the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury 17–6 the following week. North v South In 1929, Macdonald represented the South Island in the inter-island match at Athletic Park, won by the North Island 29–20. New Zealand Māori Macdonald was selected for the New Zealand Māori tour of New Zealand, Australia, Ceylon, France, England, Wales and Canada in 1926–27. However, poor form and injury meant that he only played in nine matches. He was, however, described as having "a wonderful pair of hands as well as great pace." He represented New Zealand Māori again in 1931 and 1934. He was vice-captain of New Zealand Māori on their 1935 tour to Australia, the team winning nine of its 11 matches. George Nēpia believed that Macdonald should have been an automatic selection for the All Blacks team to tour the British Isles and Canada in 1935–36. However, he was not included in the touring party and subsequently defected to rugby league. Wartime reinstatement During World War II, Macdonald was reinstated to rugby union and he played for various forces teams in England. On 17 October 1942 he appeared for the RNZAF team in a match against Guy's Hospital, and reportedly gave a "brilliant display", scoring two tries and a conversion, as the New Zealanders won 11–0. Two weeks later, he again turned out for the RNZAF team,