Rassie Erasmus has moved quickly to manage the narrative around Tony Brown's post-2027 departure to the All Blacks coaching staff, signalling he's not only comfortable with the situation but already has candidates in mind to fill the attack coach role. The key detail: Erasmus says Brown flagged his intention to return to New Zealand from the very start of his appointment in January 2024, so there's been no surprise and no disruption to planning. Erasmus also pushed back firmly on public criticism of Brown, framing the move as entirely understandable given Brown's All Black roots and personal history — the two go back to their Stormers days together, including facing off in the 2019 World Cup quarterfinal. With 13 Tests still to play this year and a full second half of Brown's contract to run, Erasmus's message is clear: the succession plan is already in motion, and Brown remains a valued part of the World Cup push.
Erasmus relaxed on Brown's exit — replacements already identified
Erasmus reveals he already has replacements for Tony Brown in mind, having known from day one that Brown intended to return home after 2027. The piece covers his defence of Brown's decision and the close personal bond between the two.
- Rassie Erasmus
- New Zealand
- Tony Brown
- Springboks
- DHL Stormers
Erasmus welcomes clarity on Tony Brown's post-2027 departure: 'We've made the mistake in the past'
Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 after his Springbok contract expires at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Rassie Erasmus welcoming the early clarity as SA Rugby looks to avoid the contractual uncertainty that complicated preparations for France 2023.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
All Blacks' loosehead crisis hands Springboks a ready-made weapon in Greatest Rivalry Series
Jeff Wilson has publicly identified loosehead prop as the All Blacks' most dangerous weakness ahead of four consecutive Tests against the Springboks — with Williams likely out, Tu'ungafasi's future uncertain, and the remaining options short on caps and experience. Set against the depth Erasmus has built across the prop positions, this piece maps out why scrum time could be where the Greatest Rivalry Series is decided.
Stephen Donald: Robertson copied the Boks — Rennie must go back to All Blacks DNA
Stephen Donald backs Hansen's anti-copycat argument, saying Robertson erred by chasing the Springbok blueprint rather than New Zealand's tempo-based strengths — and expects Rennie to correct that course ahead of a blockbuster four-Test series in South Africa.
Mulder's '95 Warning: Don't Sleep on the All Blacks
1995 World Cup winner Japie Mulder warns against writing off the All Blacks ahead of the four-Test series, drawing on South Africa's own underdog story to argue the gap in rankings doesn't guarantee a comfortable series win.