CEO Steve Lancaster says NZ Rugby simply took the opportunity to secure Tony Brown as an All Blacks assistant coach from 2028.
Brown has been appointed despite uncertainty over who will be leading the national team after the 2027 World Cup.
Brown’s return to New Zealand was confirmed on Monday, with the current Springbok attack coach signing a two-year contract.
However, recently appointed All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie and his assistants are contracted only through to the end of the 2027 tournament in Australia.
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“We’ve got a world-class coach, an acknowledged world-class coach who’s highly sought after in Tony Brown,” Lancaster told Sky Sport. “We had the opportunity to secure him, and we’ve taken that opportunity. It’s that simple.”
Lancaster stressed that Rennie had been fully involved in discussions around Brown’s appointment and supported the move.
“It doesn’t have any bearing on Dave or his group,” he said. “Dave’s been fully engaged in the process and fully supportive of securing Tony.
“Let’s hope Dave is still the head coach beyond 2027 and sees a place for Tony in his group.”
OPINION: Boks smart to keep Brown on
Former Scotland scrumhalf Mike Blair was recently appointed attack coach under Rennie. But Lancaster rejected suggestions that Brown’s arrival means someone else will have to make way.
“We don’t see this as a one-in, one-out situation,” said Lancaster. “Tony adds value to whichever coaching group he comes into.”
“It’s about having the right people in the mix. We’ve got the right person on the bus, and we’ll work out what seat he sits in later.”
POLL: Should Brown stay or go now?
Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
