Brown in surprise departure to Japan
Tony Brown
Japan.
The Highlanders head coach will depart before the start of Super Rugby Transtasman.
He will complete two weeks of self-isolation before linking with Jamie Joseph for a 14-day training camp with the Japan national team.
The side will face the British and Irish Lions on June 26 in a warm-up for the Lions’ tour of South Africa.
Brown will still have daily input into the running of the Highlanders, albeit remotely.
He will hand over the reins on the ground to his assistant Clarke Dermody, although he acknowledged is heading back to the situation was far from ideal.
“Having to head to Japan earlier than expected is disappointing, particularly leaving my team before the end of the season, it’s not what anyone would have wanted,” Brown said.
“I will be in touch with Clarke and the other coaches on a daily basis and I am positive they will respond well to the situation.”
The disrupted nature of Japan’s preparation for this historic match, due to the Covid-19 pandemic during the past 12 months, has meant they have not spent time together as a team since 2019.
Brown said the uncertainty created by the pandemic had forced the Japanese side into a condensed period of preparation for the game.
“Even though the Lions match has only recently been finalised, it’s unfortunate that the Japanese preparation has been so limited. We will need to go into an intense camp almost immediately to get organised.”
Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark was taking a pragmatic approach to the disruption.
“No one could have predicted it would come to this. Due to the pandemic, the Lions tour itinerary has been completely up in the air for the better part of a year,” Clark said.
“The way it has worked out means Brownie’s international obligations suddenly overlap with his Super Rugby duties, which obviously is a situation that doesn’t sit comfortably with anyone.
“However, as an organisation, we know we still have his services. Even though he is not on the ground with us, we have every faith in Clarke and the coaching and management group to deal with the challenge.”
Highlanders talent development coach Kane Jury will join the coaching team for the rest of the season.