Sir John Kirwan has joked that the All Blacks will “steal” the Springboks’ intellectual property when Tony Brown returns to New Zealand.
Speaking on the Rivals podcast, the All Blacks great and Springbok legend Victor Matfield shared their views on the announcement that Brown will join the All Blacks coaching setup after the World Cup.
Brown, currently the Springboks’ attack coach, signed a two-year contract with NZ Rugby and is expected to work under Dave Rennie from 2028.
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Kirwan welcomed the move and praised New Zealand Rugby for planning so far ahead.
“I’m really actually quite excited,” said Kirwan.
“For New Zealand Rugby to announce something so far ahead, for me, it’s the first time I’ve seen them being really positive in what they want to do moving forward.”
The former All Blacks wing then joked that Brown’s time with the Springboks could prove valuable for New Zealand when he eventually returns home.
“I understand that he has to stay and do his job, but then we’ll steal all your IP, Victor, and bring it back to New Zealand – which is what you guys have done in the first place.”
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Matfield laughed off the suggestion, but admitted the appointment must be a special moment for Brown.
“That must be Tony’s dream,” said Matfield.
“He’s a New Zealander, he’s a proud All Black and this must be the ultimate job for him.
“We’ll use him, we’ll tap into all his knowledge for this last year and hopefully he gets a World Cup with the Boks.”
The former Springbok captain then raised an interesting question about New Zealand Rugby’s long-standing selection policy.
Unlike South Africa, New Zealand generally does not select players who are contracted overseas, a rule that has seen several high-profile stars become unavailable for the All Blacks after leaving the country.
Matfield wondered why that restriction does not appear to apply to coaches.
“Can I just ask a question?” he said.
“Why is it that New Zealand doesn’t select players who play overseas, but select coaches who coach overseas? Why is that allowed?”
POLL: Should Brown stay or go now?
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
