Rassie Erasmus’s long history with Rugby World Cups has shaped how he approaches planning and stability, especially when it comes to his coaching staff. Having lived through the uncertainty that can surround the Rugby World Cup 2027 cycle. The Springboks director of rugby is keen to ensure his team is settled well beyond the 2027 tournament.
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That desire for continuity is at the heart of his recent comments dismissing speculation. That attack coach, Tony Brown, could be heading back to New Zealand in the near future. Brown joined Erasmus’s coaching group after South Africa’s triumphant 2023 World Cup campaign in France.
Despite this, rumours began to circulate that the New Zealander could be tempted home. Following changes in the All Blacks setup and the departure of head coach Scott Robertson. Erasmus, however, was quick to play down those suggestions and made it clear that Brown remains fully committed to the Springboks.
Erasmus explained that he spoke directly to Brown to clear the air. According to him, the conversation was brief and straightforward. Brown confirmed that nothing had changed, stressing that his contract runs until 2027 and that he is fully committed to South Africa.
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Brown Committed Despite New Zealand Interest
While Erasmus admitted he would love to keep Brown beyond that point, he acknowledged. That the timing and nature of any potential offer from New Zealand is out of his control. What he was certain about, though, was that Brown would not be leaving before the Rugby World Cup 2027.
To avoid unnecessary distractions, Erasmus and SA Rugby have moved to secure key figures in the management and coaching team. Offers have been made to critical personnel to provide clarity and peace of mind about their futures after next year. Erasmus noted that these deals include performance clauses.
But the overall aim is to remove uncertainty and allow everyone to focus fully on the job at hand. In Brown’s case, the message is clear: he is staying until 2027. And the Springboks would ideally like him to stay even longer. At the same time, Erasmus was open about Brown’s personal ambitions. He revealed that Brown has been honest about his long-term desire to coach New Zealand.
That ambition, Erasmus said, is understandable and respected. Still, for now, Brown’s priority is South Africa. Brown himself added fuel to the discussion during an interview with a New Zealand radio station last week. He confirmed that Robertson had recently approached him about the possibility of joining.
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Erasmus Acts to Eliminate World Cup Distractions
The All Blacks coaching team admitted that coaching New Zealand one day remains a goal. However, he reiterated that he is bound by his current contract and has no clause that would allow him to leave early. Erasmus’s stance is rooted in lessons learned from past World Cups.
He pointed to his involvement in the planning process for the 2007 World Cup, where uncertainty about future employment was a constant undercurrent. He explained that in a World Cup year, coaches and staff can easily become distracted if they are unsure. Whether they will still have jobs once the tournament ends, particularly if results do not go their way.
Working closely with SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer and other stakeholders, Erasmus has made it a priority to avoid that scenario. His view is that a World Cup year should not be overshadowed by anxiety about contracts and future roles.
He cited former head coach Jacques Nienaber as a prime example of how quickly circumstances can change. For that reason, the decision was taken to have everyone signed through to 2027. Speculation around Brown intensified after Robertson was dismissed earlier this month.
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