Why Brown chose Japan, not All Blacks
Tony Brown and Jamie Joseph’s special connection with Japan and the uncertainty of the All Blacks interview process convinced the pair to stick with the Brave Blossoms.
Brown, who had been wooed by All Blacks coaching candidates Ian Foster and Scott Robertson, surprised many when he took himself out of contention to remain loyal to Joseph, but he has now explained the thinking behind that decision.
‘‘A couple of days before he [Joseph] pulled out [of the All Blacks job] we had a catch-up and he said, ‘This is what I am thinking’,’’ Brown told the Otago Daily Times.
‘‘And I was really comfortable with that because deep down that is what I was thinking – the same thing.
‘‘There is the challenge of coaching Japan and for us the certainty we were going to get the job.
‘‘With the All Blacks you have to go through an interview process, probably three months-long, by the sounds of it.
‘‘We were getting shouldertapped on sticking with Japan
to continue what we are doing. You’ve got the certainty and the challenge.
‘‘Also it allows me to stay here and keep coaching the Highlanders which I love doing. To get this group of players into title contention.’’
Robertson has admitted that Brown’s decision was a blow to his hopes of being appointed All Blacks coach, but the Highlanders coach said his connection with Joseph was too strong to ignore.
‘‘There are always regrets with any decision,’’ Brown told the Otago Daily Times. ‘‘For me the excitement of coaching with Japan is huge.
‘‘All of Jamie’s strengths are probably my weaknesses.
‘‘Coaching is a pretty tough job but you have got more chance of getting it right when you are doing it together.
‘‘That is why we complement each other. We are a pretty powerful team.’’
Japan also has a special place in Brown’s heart as a place where he has played and coached for well over a decade.
‘‘When you play in Japan for a long period of time you create a great allegiance for the country,’’ he said.
‘‘Coaching Japan over the All
Blacks for me is an exciting challenge.
‘‘I feel like I owe them a lot. Been there since 2004. Love the country and love the people. Anyone who goes to Japan say the people are amazing and they are.’’
Brown’s decision to remove himself from the Foster and Robertson tickets came relatively late in the piece, and it wasn’t until he landed back in New Zealand after the Rugby World Cup that he decided to stick with Joseph.
‘‘During the World Cup I had aligned myself with Scott
Robertson and Ian Foster and still with Jamie if he decided to have a crack at the [All Blacks] job,’’ Brown said.
‘‘So, in my mind I thought whoever got the job I would be involved somewhere as an assistant coach.
‘‘But just after the World Cup, when I got back home and had a few days to think about it, it just did not feel right to be floating between different coaching teams.
‘‘Ultimately with me I’m really comfortable with the decision.’’