NZR have confirmed that Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' coaching staff from 2028 on a two-year contract, bringing to an end a third round of negotiations that twice previously failed to secure his services — first under Ian Foster, then under Scott Robertson.
Brown, 51, is off contract with SA Rugby at the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and will honour his current deal in full. NZR CEO Steve Lancaster confirmed the appointment was driven by incoming high performance director Don Tricker, who takes up his role full-time in November, and that incoming All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie was engaged throughout the process and is supportive.
"Tony is a world-class coach who is highly regarded and consistently sought after by head coaches and teams around the world," Lancaster said. "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 NZR and Rennie have agreed to discuss the All Blacks head coaching structure no later than the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby Championship, leaving the precise portfolio Brown will hold to be determined.
Brown, a former All Blacks fly-half who earned 18 Test caps between 1999 and 2001, has been open about his desire to return home to be closer to his family. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer acknowledged that position. "He has made a tremendous contribution to the Springboks and to SA Rugby as a whole since joining us, and we have no doubt that he will continue to give everything he has to help the team maintain the high standards we set for ourselves," Oberholzer said.
Erasmus was equally magnanimous. "Tony has made a remarkable difference, both on and off the field, and he has always been upfront with us about wanting to be closer to his family and about the All Blacks holding a special place in his heart. 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."