Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown has been on the radar of New Zealand's All Blacks.

Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join the All Blacks after the completion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Brown, a former New Zealand international flyhalf, has been Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’s attack coach since 2024 and has been tasked with transforming the attack of the double World Cup winners in their current cycle building up to their defence in Australia in 2027.

“Tony is a world-class coach who is highly regarded and consistently sought after by head coaches and teams around the world,” said NZR CEO Steve Lancaster.

“We know Tony is available after the 2027 Rugby World Cup and he’s made it clear he would love to be part of the All Blacks.

“This decision is simple, it’s about ensuring the best coaches return to New Zealand.

“It’s for the All Blacks Head Coach to shape the structure and portfolios of their coaching team and we have every confidence that Tony is a high-quality addition when he joins in 2028.”

Brown is contracted to the Boks until the end of 2027, but South African head honcho Rassie Erasmus is on record expressing his desire to keep him on beyond that tournament.

Brown, meanwhile, has said that while he was committed to honouring his Springbok contract, he was always keen on a move back home in the long run.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer thanked Brown for the way he had approached the deal with New Zealand.

“We are grateful to Tony for his commitment, loyalty and honesty throughout his time with us,” he said.

“He has made a tremendous contribution to the Springboks and to SA Rugby as a whole since joining us, and we have no doubt that he will continue to give everything he has to help the team maintain the high standards we set for ourselves on the field.”

Erasmus was equally pleased for Brown, saying: “Tony has made a remarkable difference, both on and off the field, and he has always been upfront with us about wanting to be closer to his family and about the All Blacks holding a special place in his heart, and we are genuinely delighted for him.

“We’ve made the mistake in the past of negotiating contracts in a RWC year, and this clarity will allow us all to go full steam ahead with our preparations for this and next season.”

Brown expressed his gratitude to Erasmus and SA Rugby for the opportunity and was emphatic about where his focus lies for the foreseeable future.

“My contract with New Zealand Rugby only begins in 2028, so there is still a long road ahead before that comes into play,” said Brown.

“Right now, I am fully committed to the Springboks. What we are building and trying to achieve as a team over the next two years is my only focus.”