Respected New Zealand rugby commentator Tony Johnson believes NZ Rugby would have to make a serious financial play if it wants to lure Tony Brown away from the Springboks.
Brown, currently part of Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok staff as attack coach, has again been linked with a possible move to assist the All Blacks once Scott Robertson is replaced. But Johnson says the biggest obstacle may not be desire, but rather cost.
Speaking on the DSPN podcast, Johnson questioned whether Brown’s current deal with South Africa even allows for an easy exit.
“The mystery about Tony Brown is, is what is he completely locked in with South Africa? Is there a get-out clause? Is there potential for New Zealand Rugby to buy him out?
“That would cost them a lot of money, but I think they could have to go back and knock on the door of uncle Silver Lake or something like that in order to do that.”
RASSIE: Tony’s not leaving Boks
According to Rapport, Brown has a watertight contract with the Boks in place until after the 2027 World Cup in Australia, and NZ Rugby would have to pay a transfer fee of millions of rands to bring him back to New Zealand before then.
Johnson suggested that while Brown’s New Zealand roots and past interest in the All Blacks role remain relevant, extracting him from the Springbok set-up would require more than sentiment.
“So that’s the big question over Tony Brown, is he actually, I think he’d probably love to do it. He’s a New Zealander, yeah, and I’m sure he’d love to.”
However, Johnson also highlighted just how attractive Brown’s current environment in South Africa has become.
“But then you look at what he’s been doing with the Springboks, you have seen the innovation at the Springboks and some of the innovations haven’t worked, but they’ve at least tried them, but there’s things in there that have got Tony Brown all over them.”
KEO: Brown will stay with Springboks until 2027 World Cup
While Erasmus remains the central figure driving the Bok programme, Johnson believes Brown has firmly established his value within the coaching group.
“Rassie, he’s the guy. I mean, he is the head coach. He sets the tone for that whole team, but I think Tony Brown’s been an excellent addition to his coaching staff. And so he’s got a strong possibility if he stays with South Africa that he becomes a World Cup-winning coach.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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