SA Rugby has confirmed that attack coach Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 on a two-year deal with New Zealand Rugby, with Rassie Erasmus welcoming the early resolution as a deliberate lesson learned from the 2023 World Cup cycle.
Brown, whose contract with the Springboks runs through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, has been credited with driving the team's attacking evolution since joining in 2024 — a period that has produced back-to-back Rugby Championship titles and two unbeaten end-of-year tours.
Erasmus was direct about why the early announcement matters. "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," he said. He pointed specifically to the 2023 cycle, when Felix Jones and Jacques Nienaber's post-tournament departures — to England and Leinster respectively — were confirmed ahead of the France World Cup. Erasmus also referenced his own experience from 2007, noting the uncertainty coaches face when their futures are unresolved in a World Cup year.
Negotiations with the rest of Erasmus's assistant coaching staff, whose contracts expire in 2027, are still ongoing. Erasmus himself has re-signed through to the 2031 tournament.
Brown was unequivocal about his current commitment. "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."
CEO Rian Oberholzer also acknowledged Brown's contribution and the fact that he is honouring his contract in full.