Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says Tony Brown’s return to New Zealand is no cause for concern for South African rugby.
The Bok attack coach will join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 having signed a two-year deal with NZ Rugby.
The timing of the announcement – 15 months before the 2027 World Cup in Australia – raised eyebrows, given the fierce rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks and how this could potentially impact the world champions.
However, Mallett believes Brown’s professionalism will ensure there is no drop in commitment over the next two seasons.
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“Tony Brown’s a fantastic coach. He really is a wonderful coach,” Mallett said on the Talking Boks podcast.
“He’s committed to the Springboks until 2027. And I can tell you, having coached overseas – I coached Italy having coached South Africa – you give 100% to the team that you’re coaching.
“The professional nature of professional sport is that you want to do the very best with the group that you have.
“Obviously, your country where you came from is critical to you. And it’s your biggest love. But when you’re coaching overseas and you’re coaching another national side, the worst thing is to lose by 50, 60, 70 points. The Springboks smash Italy, and you’re coaching Italy.
“So I think Tony Brown is going to commit 100% to South Africa.”
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Brown has earned widespread praise for the role he’s played in the evolution of the Boks’ attack since joining Rassie Erasmus’ coaching team in 2024.
His appointment was viewed as a major coup for South African rugby and Mallett believes the former All Blacks flyhalf will continue to invest everything in the Springboks’ pursuit of a third successive World Cup title. They are expected to meet the All Blacks in the quarter-finals next year.
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“If we go into a quarter-final in that World Cup in 2027, there won’t be one iota of his rugby knowledge that he’s not passing on to the Boks,” Mallett said.
“He’ll be trying to contribute as much as possible to us winning that match against New Zealand.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Mallett: Brown will commit 100% to Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says Tony Brown’s return to New Zealand is no cause for concern for South African rugby.
The post Mallett: Brown will commit 100% to Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
