Rassie Erasmus praised by former All Black for latest addition to Springboks coaching staff
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus’ move to bring Tony Brown on board as the world champions’ new attack coach has been hailed as a masterstroke by Highlanders boss Jamie Joseph.
Joseph knows the value which Brown brings to any coaching staff having worked with the former All Blacks fly-half for most of his coaching career.
Brown, 49, was Joseph’s assistant at two Rugby World Cups with Japan – in 2019 and 2023 – and when the Highlanders were crowned Super Rugby champions in 2015.
New position at the Highlanders
Joseph applied for the All Blacks head coaching position but lost out to Scott Robertson which led to him returning to the Highlanders – after last year’s World Cup in France – where he was appointed as the Dunedin-based franchise’s head of rugby on a four-year contract.
Earlier this week, Springboks legends Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers praised Erasmus for adding Brown to the backroom staff, especially due to his reputation as a creative thinker.
However, former All Blacks back-row Joseph believes while Brown will do wonders for the Boks on the field, he will also bring an extra dimension to them off the field of play.
“He’s renowned for his innovation on the field, around the game, and there’s so many examples of that,” Joseph told Stuff. “The Highlanders, in Japan… it’s easy to actually measure the impact he has on the field.
“But it’s the off the field stuff for me… his rugby values and his personal values are the same.
“So, that’s what he wants in his players around hard work and integrity and honesty and humour, and balance.
“He’s everything… he’s a good sports person, he’s quite happy to have a beer, he plays golf, he plays cricket, he plays every sport, and he just loves the team.
“For a head coach, he’s an awesome support in that area.”
Brown is set to head to South Africa in March to begin his stint with the Boks as they start preparations for a two-Test series against Ireland in July, preceded by a clash with Wales at Twickenham in June.
The Boks are also set to face their arch rivals, the All Blacks, in two Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa, in Johannesburg and Cape Town on August 31 and September 7 respectively.
Backing Brown to succeed with Boks
Joseph is confident that Brown would fit seamlessly into the world champions’ set-up and be a success in their coaching structures.
“He does it in a way that he doesn’t intrude on a culture,” added Joseph. “He did it in Japan, and he’ll do it in any team.
“The rugby side of ‘Brownie’ is good, but the other part is just as good.”
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In a move that is set to send ripples through the rugby world, former All Blacks first-five eighths and renowned coach Tony Brown is joining the coaching staff of the reigning world champion Springboks as their attack coach.
This development not only underlines the global reach of coaching talent but also sets the stage for an intriguing collaboration between Brown and Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus.
He has been a sought-after figure in the rugby coaching realm, turning down approaches from both Ian Foster and Scott Robertson in 2019 to join their respective teams as they vied for the coveted All Blacks head coaching position after Brown achieved Super Rugby success with the Highlanders and guided Japan to a historic quarter-final appearance at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Known for his astute rugby brain and innovative approach to the game, Brown’s coaching journey has been one marked by success and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Otago and Highlanders great, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with the Highlanders and the All Blacks, transitioned seamlessly into coaching, earning accolades for his work with the Sanyo Wild Knights in Japan and later, as an integral part of the Highlanders’ coaching team during their Super Rugby triumph in 2015.
Brown’s prowess as a coach extends beyond his strategic acumen; he brings a wealth of experience and a knack for innovative thinking. His coaching philosophy, shaped by a deep love for the game, revolves around attacking prowess and defensive resilience. In an ever-evolving rugby landscape, Brown’s ability to adapt and find innovative solutions to challenges has set him apart.
The prospect of Brown teaming up with Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks’ World Cup success, adds an exciting dimension to South Africa’s coaching setup. While the Springboks are traditionally known for their forward-dominated style, Erasmus’s creative thinking has hinted at a desire for evolution. Brown’s role as an attack coach aligns perfectly with this vision, promising an infusion of creativity and flair into the Springboks’ offensive strategies.
For All Blacks fans, this move by Brown to the Springboks is particularly noteworthy. The last encounter between the two sides in the 2023 World Cup final ended in a hard-fought 12-11 victory for the Springboks. Now, with a former All Black joining the coaching ranks of the World Cup champions, and former All Blacks assistant coach Joe Schmidt becoming the Wallabies’ new head coach, the interest from New Zealand rugby enthusiasts is bound to reach new heights.
Brown’s journey, from a player of rare quality to one of the most sought-after coaches globally, reflects his commitment to the sport. While some may lament the missed opportunity of seeing him with Foster or Robertson, the prospect of Brown contributing to the Springboks’ attack brings a fresh narrative to the rugby world.
As the Springboks prepare to face the All Blacks and other formidable opponents, the collaboration between Erasmus and Brown holds the promise of transforming South Africa’s approach to attacking rugby. The Rugby Championship later this year is set to showcase the results of this partnership, and fans worldwide will be watching with anticipation as two rugby minds, one Kiwi and one South African, join forces on the quest for excellence.
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By all accounts Tony Brown is an excellent choice. Rassie has it spot-on there simply isn't anyone in South Africa who knows backline play as I alluded to in a previous post.