Boks frustrated as Rassie shuts down Brown departure talk

IT WAS frustrating for the Springboks and SA Rugby that there were suggestions that Tony Brown might leave the world champions to take up a coaching role with the All Blacks two years before the World Cup.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

In a wide-ranging first interview of 2026, Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed they are keeping the New Zealander until 2027, but in the same breath, he said it is Brown’s ambition to coach the All Blacks.

However, the attack specialist has committed himself to the Springboks as they prepare for a busy 2026 with Nations Cup Tests against England, Scotland and Wales, and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against his country of birth later this year. The Boks and All Blacks are set to clash in four matches ~ three in South Africa and the fourth in Baltimore in the United States.