Brown is staying put with the Boks, there is no two ways about it says Rassie

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has emphatically squashed speculation that his attack coach, Tony Brown, could be heading home to New Zealand for a possible role in the new All Black coaching staff.

Erasmus, in his inimitable way, posted an AI-generated meme on social media in which Brown says, “I’m not leaving.”

Erasmus adds these comforting words for Springbok fans, “Today is a great day! Sleep lekka (sic).”

Some more confirmatiom.
Sleep.dream and wake up with a smile = Content pic.twitter.com/G55Kf7hOsj

— Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) January 17, 2026

It is an indication of just how good Brown is at his job that there was immediate conjecture that he might leave the Boks after the New Zealand Rugby Union on Thursday dropped the bombshell that Scott Robertson had been fired from his position as head coach.

New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk stated that the governing body will immediately start the process of searching for a new head coach for the All Blacks.

The early favourite for the job is former All Back Jamie Joseph. He and Brown go back a long way — they played together at Otago in the ‘90s, and also on a few occasions at the All Blacks, and have a long history of coaching together. They have been a combination with Japan, the Sunwolves and the Highlanders, where they won a Super Rugby title in 2015.

When the news broke that Robertson was gone midway through is four-year contract, rugby commentators quickly joined the dots regarding Brown and Joseph. The speculation was that Brown had an out clause in his Springbok contract to cover an offer from New Zealand, the land of his birth.

Erasmus has clearly had a chat with Brown and received an assurance that he is committed to the Boks.

Late last year, Erasmus negotiated contract extensions with SA Rugby for the Springboks coach staff, with the group going all the way through to the 2031 World Cup in the USA.

Tony Brown’s rugby intellect is undeniable, his decision to join the Springboks places him firmly outside the circle of trust. For NZ Rugby, the path forward is clear: loyalty must come first. And Tony Brown has already chosen where his loyalty lies and it’s not with the ABs.

— Bantertainment (@_Billie_Banter) January 18, 2026

Brown, a former flyhalf, has proved a hit with the Springbok players. He took up his position two years ago, and the fruits of his labours were evident in last year’s highly successful year for the Boks.

The Boks scored some sensational tries in 2025 as Brown had the players backing themselves on attack in ways they had previously not considered.

Importantly, Brown is still getting started, and there is more growth to come from the Boks on attack as they ramp up their preparations for next year’s World Cup in Australia.