Rassie Erasmus comments on Tony Brown’s exit
· The South African
On Sunday night, the All Blacks unexpectedly dropped the news that Springbok attack coach Tony Brown – who has become the right-hand man to Rassie Erasmus – will return home to take up a coaching position with the New Zealand Rugby Union in 2028.
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To make such an announcement 18 months before his contract starts was seen by many as an unusual move, and perhaps as a strategy to disrupt the Springboks on the eve of the Test season, which includes a four-match series against New Zealand.
Brown has been hugely popular since joining the Springboks in 2024, and he has been instrumental in adding an attacking evolution to the team’s play.
A early announcement like this is probably calculated to muddy the waters of Tony’s involvement with Boks
— Oom Rugby (@Oom_Rugby) June 7, 2026
not often you see a team announce a coach 18 months from when he will actually start 🧐
especially when there is a current guy in the job who must now carry on with a smile… https://t.co/d6S25obxvV
Operation Rug-pull Rassie successful! https://t.co/gtUOOEkksN
— Ben Smith (@bensmithrugby) June 7, 2026
So Tony Brown is heading to the All Blacks after 2027. I think most of us suspected that was always likely, despite him saying he wasn’t going anywhere.
— Captain Springbok (@CaptSpringbok) June 7, 2026
Do you keep him through the World Cup knowing he’ll be joining your biggest rival afterwards?
It also makes me wonder whether…
What has Rassie Erasmus said about Tony Brown leaving the Springboks?
True to his word, Brown has honoured his contract in full, remaining committed to the Springboks, while being open about his personal desire to return home to be closer to his family and give back to New Zealand Rugby.
“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, and we are genuinely delighted for him.
“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.”
New chapter
Brown expressed his gratitude to Erasmus and SA Rugby for the opportunity and was emphatic about where his focus lies for the foreseeable future.
“My contract with New Zealand Rugby only begins in 2028, so there is still a long road ahead before that comes into play,” said Brown. “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.”