Rugby: Tony Brown signs up to be the All Blacks’ assistant coach

2026 South African assistant coach Tony Brown, signs on to be an All Blacks assitant coach in 2028.
Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE

One of the most sought-after coaches in world rugby has agreed to become an assistant All Blacks coach, but fans are going to have to wait for him.

New Zealand Rugby has announced Tony Brown will be coming home, but not until he finishes a contract with the Springboks which concludes at the end of next year’s World Cup.

Brown is vastly experienced in several setups and renowned for his attacking coaching ability.

He’s a former Highlanders head and assistant coach, a former Japanese assistant coach, and has enjoyed a long association with Jamie Joseph, who was overlooked for the All Blacks coaching job earlier this year.

Tony Brown, at Twickenham, London in 2022, while assistant coach of Japan.
Photo: ACTION FOTO SPORT

“Tony is a world-class coach who is highly regarded and consistently sought after by head coaches and teams around the world,” said New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster.

“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.”

There’s plenty of intrigue with Brown’s signing, none more so than the fact he doesn’t yet know who his All Blacks boss will be.

Dave Rennie – appointed following the sacking of Scott Robertson – has only signed on until the end of 2027, meaning there is a chance that Rennie and Brown won’t work together.

Despite that, Lancaster said Rennie’s been engaged throughout the process and is supportive of Brown’s appointment, even though both will be coaching against each other, during the upcoming All Blacks tour of South Africa.

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