Springbok assistant Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks coaching staff from the 2028 international season, New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Sunday — but not before he attempts to help South Africa retain the World Cup against his future employers in 2027.
Brown, brought in to sharpen the Springbok attack ahead of the 2024 season, has made a measurable impact. The 2025 season has been largely dominant for the Boks, highlighted by a record 43-10 dismantling of the All Blacks in Wellington.
NZR CEO Steve Lancaster framed the appointment as straightforward. "Tony is a world-class coach who is highly regarded and consistently sought after by head coaches and teams around the world. 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."
Lancaster added that Rennie's current focus remains squarely on the challenges ahead, with the two nations set to meet four times this northern hemisphere summer — three Tests in South Africa and a fourth in Baltimore as part of the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series.
Brown, a former All Blacks flyhalf who earned 18 caps between 1999 and 2001, has never concealed his ambition to coach within the New Zealand set-up.