Tony Brown to join All Blacks as assistant coach in 2028

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that Tony Brown, the current attack coach for South Africa's Springboks, will join the All Blacks as an assistant coach after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The former All Blacks flyhalf has signed a two-year contract with New Zealand Rugby set to begin in 2028.

The announcement, made public on June 7, 2026, brings clarity to a long-term coaching succession plan. Brown will remain fully committed to the Springboks through the conclusion of the World Cup in Australia next year. In a statement, New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster described Brown as a "world-class coach" and said the decision was about ensuring top coaching talent returns to New Zealand. Lancaster confirmed that current All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, whose contract runs through the 2027 tournament, was engaged and supportive throughout the appointment process.

Brown, who joined the Springbok coaching staff in 2024, emphasized that his immediate focus remains on South Africa's campaign. "Right now, I am fully committed to the Springboks," Brown said. "What we are building and trying to achieve as a team over the next two years is my only focus." Springbok director of...