Legendary All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson believes New Zealand Rugby’s decision to secure Tony Brown’s services from 2028 will not unsettle the current coaching group.
Brown, who has played a key role in the Springboks’ attacking evolution under Rassie Erasmus, will return home after the 2027 World Cup to join the All Blacks coaching set-up under Dave Rennie.
The announcement sparked debate in New Zealand, with some questioning whether naming a future assistant coach so far in advance could create uncertainty for the current management team.
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Wilson, however, sees it differently.
Speaking on The Breakdown, the former All Black said Brown’s reputation as one of the game’s leading attack coaches made him a prized target long before his move was confirmed.
“Every coach has wanted Brownie to work with them. Like everyone approached Tony,” said Wilson.
Brown was previously linked with several All Blacks coaching contenders, including Ian Foster, Jamie Joseph and Scott Robertson.
Wilson believes Rennie’s involvement in the process is significant and removes any suggestion of tension behind the scenes.
“It’s unusual to have done that, but I think Dave Rennie, who has been part of the process, understands why New Zealand Rugby have done this,” he said.
“I don’t disagree with it in any way, shape or form.”
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Wilson added that Brown’s appointment gives New Zealand Rugby certainty and puts an end to speculation about whether the highly-rated coach would eventually return home.
“I don’t think this coaching team will be concerned about this at all. I think they know it’s an asset for New Zealand Rugby post next year’s Rugby World Cup,” he said.
“It gets away from the conversation of it, nips it in the bud, and everyone knows he now is coming and it’s a done deal.”
Erasmus has already welcomed the clarity around Brown’s future, while SA Rugby continues discussions with the rest of the national coaching staff regarding their contracts beyond the World Cup.
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
