Tony Brown set for sensational switch from Springboks to All Blacks
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster (inset) and Springboks attack coach Tony Brown, who will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have announced that Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown will join the All Blacks’ backroom staff from 2028 on a two-year contract.
Brown is currently serving as the Boks’ attack coach and is off contract at the conclusion of the current world champions’ Rugby World Cup 2027 campaign in Australia.
NZR chief executive Steve Lancaster is delighted that Brown has agreed terms to become part of the All Blacks‘ coaching staff once his stint with the Springboks ends.
‘A world-class coach who is highly regarded’
“Tony is a world-class coach who is highly regarded and consistently sought after by head coaches and teams around the world,” he said.
“We know Tony is available after the 2027 Rugby World Cup and he’s made it clear he would love to be part of the All Blacks. This decision is simple, it’s about ensuring the best coaches return to New Zealand.
“It’s for the All Blacks head coach to shape the structure and portfolios of their coaching team and we have every confidence that Tony is a high-quality addition when he joins in 2028.”
The decision to appoint Brown was led by incoming NZR high performance director Don Tricker, who will start in his position on a full-time basis in November this year.
Dave Rennie engaged throughout the process
Lancaster revealed that incoming All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie was engaged throughout the process and is supportive of the appointment.
“One of Don’s roles is to lead the appointments of our national team coaches,” he said.
“As part of that we have agreed with Dave we will discuss the process for the All Blacks head coach role no later than the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby Championship.
“For now, Dave and his coaching team are absolutely focused on what’s in front of them and we look forward to challenging ourselves against Tony and the Springboks in the coming months.”
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Brown’s impending move to the All Blacks will be a blow for the Springboks as he has played a significant role in their development since their 2023 Rugby World Cup triumph in France.
It will be a case of third time lucky for NZR with Brown as the 51-year-old had twice rejected advances from the governing body, who previously wanted him to join the All Blacks’ coaching staff when first Ian Foster and then Scott Robertson were in charge of the three-time world champions.
Brown, who represented New Zealand as a fly-half in 18 Tests between 1999 and 2001, is honouring his current contract with the Springboks in full and remains committed to his coaching role with the world champions.
However, he has always been open about his personal desire to return home to be closer to his family and give back to NZR and SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer understands his position.
“We are grateful to Tony for his commitment, loyalty and honesty throughout his time with us,” said Oberholzer.
“He has made a tremendous contribution to the Springboks and to SA Rugby as a whole since joining us, and we have no doubt that he will continue to give everything he has to help the team maintain the high standards we set for ourselves on the field.”
Meanwhile, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus was equally pleased for Brown and said: “Tony has made a remarkable difference, both on and off the field, and he has always been upfront with us about wanting to be closer to his family and about the All Blacks holding a special place in his heart, and we are genuinely delighted for him.
“We’ve made the mistake in the past of negotiating contracts in a RWC year, and this clarity will allow us all to go full steam ahead with our preparations for this and next season.”
Brown expressed his gratitude to Erasmus and SA Rugby for the opportunity and was emphatic about where his focus lies for the foreseeable future.
“My contract with New Zealand Rugby only begins in 2028, so there is still a long road ahead before that comes into play,” he said.
“Right now, I am fully committed to the Springboks. What we are building and trying to achieve as a team over the next two years is my only focus.”
READ MORE: Rassie Erasmus: Luckily, Davie Rennie got the All Blacks job, maybe we can keep Tony Brown now
