MacDonald originally played rugby union and represented Auckland as a wing-forward.

[3] He first represented New Zealand during the 1909 tour of Australia, playing in all three Test matches.

MacDonald scored a try in the first Test match.

He was part of the Auckland tour of New Zealand at the end of the year.

[4] MacDonald was part of the 1911 New Zealand side that toured Australia, playing against New South Wales and Queensland.