Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus insists it would have been absolute folly to release TonyBrown from his contract early, after New ZealandRugby dropped the bombshell that the attack guru is returning home in 2028.
As far back as 1998, Rassie Erasmus had first-hand experience of how FrancoSmith enjoyed playing expansive, attacking rugby — a memory he might well recall as he ponders a long-term successor for departing attack mastermind TonyBrown.
The news that TonyBrown is to join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 should not shock anyone, nor should it be greeted with suspicion or concern over a loss of Springbok intellectual property to the "Old Foe".
TonyBrown insists his sole focus remains on helping the Springboks achieve their ambitions over the next two seasons, despite confirmation that he will return home to New ZealandRugby in 2028 ... Tony Brown.
South Africa assistant coach TonyBrown will join Dave Rennie's coaching ticket with New Zealand in 2028, the NZRU confirmed this evening ... Browne's stint with Japan is still held in high regard.