SA Rugby CEO issues hands-off warning to All Blacks over Tony Brown
International Rugby
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer, left, has responded to rumours of an All Blacks swoop for Tony Brown. With a contract extension until 2031 now on the table, the Boks are determined to keep their attacking mastermind. Photo: Supplied
Image: Supplied
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has weighed in on the Tony Brown tug-of-war between New Zealand and South Africa, stating that the attack coach is not only locked in with the Springboks until 2027 but could remain through to 2031.
In December last year, after the Springboks had returned from a successful end-of-year tour, coach Rassie Erasmus negotiated his own deal with SA Rugby through to the 2031 World Cup in the USA. He now wants his group of assistants to be handed the same security.
Oberholzer confirmed that offers have been made to Daan Human, Brown, Mzwandile Stick, Jerry Flannery, Felix Jones, Deon Davids, Andy Edwards and Duane Vermeulen.
Speaking on the Praat Sport podcast, the CEO addressed rampant speculation that Brown could ask for a release from his contract to join the new All Blacks coaching staff following the departure of Scott Robertson.
"Tony and Rassie have spoken about the situation," Oberholzer said. "Let’s see what happens, but our position is very clear: he has a contract with us until 2027, and we will expect him to stick to it. If we can keep him longer than 2027, it will be even better for us."
Interestingly, Brown — who is currently in New Zealand — admitted he would have "bitten someone’s arm off" to get a job with the All Blacks two years ago when Ian Foster’s tenure ended. However, no offer arrived. Instead, Brown signed with the Boks after the 2023 World Cup.
The former flyhalf has proved a hit with the players as the South African attack has flourished.
"Tony’s work ethic and the way he works with the players are highly regarded and respected," Oberholzer added. "The coaching staff work so well together, and it would be a big blow for us if we lost him, but let’s accept that he will stay until 2027.
"And maybe he will stay longer because the process for contract extensions has begun. The offers have been made. We are now waiting for feedback so that we can finalise everything before the season starts."