Justin Marshall has admitted he was caught off guard by the news that Tony Brown will leave the Springboks to join the All Blacks' backroom staff from 2028.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Sunday that Brown, widely regarded as one of the best attack coaches in the world, has signed a two-year contract beginning after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The 51-year-old, who made 18 appearances at fly-half for the All Blacks between 1999 and 2001, is currently off contract at the conclusion of the global showpiece.
Since joining South Africa's coaching staff in 2024, Brown has overseen a notable improvement in the Springboks' attacking play. The world champions have won back-to-back Rugby Championship titles and completed two unbeaten end-of-year tours under his guidance.
Marshall, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, said he was surprised by the development given Brown's apparent contentment in his current role. "I think it's great. I know Brownie really well and I see him often because having the All Blacks playing in South Africa and being over there, I know that he's really happy in his role over there," Marshall said. "So that news to me is (surprising) news because I know how much he enjoys what he's doing now."
Rassie Erasmus had been keen to retain Brown's services beyond his current contract, but the attack coach has made no secret of his desire to coach his home country. His acquisition is viewed as a major coup for New Zealand Rugby, despite uncertainty over current All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie and his backroom staff's future beyond the 2027 tournament.