Brown a free agent, no ABs contact
Former Highlanders coach was on Scott Robertson’s ticket in 2019, but ultimately decided to pledge his loyalty to Jamie Joseph. Paul Cully reports.
Former Highlanders coach Tony Brown is on the market for 2024, but there has been no contact yet from Scott Robertson over a potential assistant role at the All Blacks.
Robertson was appointed next All Blacks head coach on Tuesday, but focus has swiftly shifted to the coaching team he now needs to assemble.
It’s understood that Robertson presented part, if not all, of his coaching team to New Zealand Rugby as part of his interview process, but NZ Rugby also wants to have input before the setup is finalised.
Brown was part of Robertson’s original ticket in 2019 – he received a similar invitation from Ian Foster –but ultimately chose to stay loyal to Jamie Joseph.
It’s unlikely that Brown, would say no the All Blacks again if an offer came up, as the Sunday Star-Times understands he is a free agent after the Rugby World Cup.
Brown returned to Japan from New Zealand on Friday, and was on Joseph’s ticket for the Japan coach’s tilt at the All Blacks job.
NZ Rugby had steadfastly refused to confirm if Joseph even contested the All Blacks job, citing the confidentiality of the process.
However, the Star-Times can reveal that Joseph went for the role and presented to the NZ Rugby panel responsible for choosing the coach. Joseph did not present to the board. Brown, 48, is a highly respected attack coach who will be coaching at a second Rugby World Cup with Japan this year.
However, one stumbling block could be his exit from the Robertson ticket in 2019. It’s unclear if Robertson has simply moved on in his thinking since then.
Speculation about the assistant coaches is unlikely to die down until Robertson confirms his choices.
Super Rugby coaches were peppered with questions about their interest this week, and as the rugby rumour mill cranked up after Robertson’s appointment, Wayne Smith’s name was also thrown into the mix.
Blues head coach Leon MacDonald admitted he would be keen to join the All Blacks, while Crusaders assistant coach Scott
Hansen stressed his loyalty to Robertson.
By contrast, Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland admitted he had not heard from Robertson in a few months, despite being repeatedly linked to a role at the All Blacks.
Focus on the Rugby World Cup, therefore, will remain elusive until the assistant positions are locked down.
Brown will not be short of offers. The appetite for New Zealand coaches overseas remains strong, and it is rumoured that Joe Schmidt has already fielded offers in France after declining to apply for the All Blacks role.
Dave Rennie, Joseph and Foster may also be up for grabs, and it’s not inconceivable that the latter could even end up coaching against the All Blacks if he lands another test role.