SA Rugby has confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 on a two-year deal, ending speculation over his post-World Cup future while leaving him contracted to the Springboks through Australia 2027.
Rassie Erasmus says the early resolution is deliberate, pointing directly to the disruption caused when Jacques Nienaber and Felix Jones confirmed their post-2023 World Cup plans during the tournament itself. '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,' Erasmus said.
Erasmus, who has re-signed through to the 2031 World Cup in the USA, is still in negotiations with the rest of his assistant coaching staff, whose contracts expire in 2027. The intent is to resolve those futures well ahead of the tournament rather than in the pressure of a World Cup year — a lesson Erasmus traces back to his own experience around 2007. 'You sort of don't want the World Cup year being a time where people are unsure about whether they have a job next year,' he said.
Brown, who joined the Springbok setup in 2024, has been central to the team's attacking evolution through back-to-back Rugby Championship titles and two unbeaten end-of-year tours. Erasmus credited him with making 'a remarkable difference, both on and off the field' and acknowledged that Brown had always been transparent about his desire to return to New Zealand and coach the All Blacks.
Brown, for his part, is unambiguous about his current priorities. 'My contract with New Zealand Rugby only begins in 2028, so there is still a long road ahead before that comes into play. 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,' he said.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer also acknowledged Brown's contribution during his time with the squad.