Following the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown will return home to take up a coaching position with the All Blacks.
The former All Black flyhalf joined the Springbok coaching team in 2024 and has been an influential figure in shaping the team’s attacking game.
True to his word, Brown has honoured his contract in full, remaining committed to the Springboks, while being open about his personal desire to return home to be closer to his family and give back to New Zealand Rugby.
“We are grateful to Tony for his commitment, loyalty and honesty throughout his time with us,” said SA Rugby CEO Rian 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.”
Erasmus was equally pleased for Brown, saying: “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,” said Brown.
“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.”
NZR CEO Steve Lancaster welcomed the return of Brown
“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.”
