Tony Brown Addresses All Blacks Coaching Speculation Amid Changes

Tony Brown has publicly clarified his position regarding the All Blacks coaching role, stating he is not available to take over following the recent dismissal of Scott Robertson. In an interview with The Post, Brown affirmed that he does not have an exit clause in his contract with the Springboks, which prevents him from engaging with New Zealand Rugby at this time. Currently based in Wānaka, Brown remains committed to his responsibilities with the Springboks through the ongoing Rugby World Cup.

“I’m obviously contracted,” Brown explained on Monday. “I don’t have an out of my contract, so I’m back in South Africa until the Rugby World Cup.” When asked about the All Blacks position, he noted that speculation is rampant but confirmed he has not been approached by New Zealand Rugby. “Everything’s just speculation. I’m not even sure what New Zealand Rugby’s plans are. No one’s really heard anything,” he added.

Coaching Landscape in Flux

Brown’s remarks highlight the challenges facing New Zealand Rugby as they seek a successor for Robertson. The abrupt decision to part ways with Robertson took many by surprise, particularly given the absence of a clear replacement. “I’m very surprised,” Brown stated. “I didn’t think they would do that, especially with no one waiting to take over.” He pointed out that the organization lacks key leadership, as both a new CEO and a high-performance manager have yet to be appointed.

The recent departure of Mike Anthony, head of high performance at New Zealand Rugby, further complicates the situation. Anthony is set to join the English Premier League team Brighton next month. The combination of these leadership gaps and the uncertainty surrounding potential candidates makes the recruitment process particularly challenging.

As speculation continues about who might step into the coaching role, Brown’s potential unavailability raises questions about the future of the All Blacks coaching landscape, especially concerning a possible partnership between him and Jamie Joseph. The two have a history of successful collaboration, which could make them a strong candidate duo.

The Search for a New Head Coach

New Zealand Rugby is still in the early stages of its search for a new head coach. In a statement last week, David Kirk, chair of New Zealand Rugby, emphasized that they have “no one in mind” at this point and intend to “cast the net wide.” While this approach appears sensible, it raises concerns that top coaches may hesitate to apply unless they have assurances of genuine consideration for the role.

The recent turmoil within the coaching staff has led to a high turnover rate, with seven coaches cycling through the All Blacks setup since 2022. This includes figures like Brad Mooar, John Plumtree, Ian Foster, Leon MacDonald, Jason Holland, Joe Schmidt, and Robertson himself. Should the next head coach desire new assistants, this number could increase, adding additional layers to an already complex situation.

If New Zealand Rugby aims to pursue the Brown-Joseph combination, they may face challenging negotiations with SA Rugby, which could complicate the recruitment process further. As the rugby community watches closely, the future of the All Blacks coaching staff remains uncertain, reflecting broader issues within the organization as it navigates a pivotal period in its history.