Springboks entitled to compensation if Brown departs for All Blacks

Savannah Lendich Jonkers • January 19th, 2026 1:40 pm

Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

The immediate departure of All Blacks coach left South African rugby writer Brenden Nel surprised but not shocked.

Nel described the news as strange, being only 20 months away from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“I think we got a sense that over the last year that maybe he doesn't have the confidence of the New Zealand public," Nel told Riccardo Ball on Sport Nation Mornings.

"He seemed to be under a bit of a cloud, even though they won almost as many games as the Springboks last year.”

Last Thursday, New Zealand Rugby confirmed Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson would no longer coach the All Blacks effective immediately, only two years into his four-year contract.

Nel said South Africans are worried about potentially losing Kiwi Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown to the All Blacks, however they are likely to put up a fight and may ask for compensation if Brown is taken.

“Tony's done exceptionally well with the Springboks, he's very well liked and the players enjoy his style of coaching,” he said.

Over the weekend, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus posted a puzzling AI image to X of Brown’s face edited onto the well-known Leonardo DiCaprio ‘I'm not leaving’ meme, with a Kiwi accent that sounded similar to comedian Rhys Darby.

Nel said he hasn’t heard about the rumoured clause in Brown's contract with South African Rugby that he can be released if current Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph got the All Blacks coaching job.

Brown has proven his extreme loyalty to Joseph and despite turning down previous offers from the All Blacks, stating in 2019 he will remain with Joseph's coaching team regardless of the country.

"I made a decision I'm going to stay with Jamie. If he applies for the All Blacks, I'm in. If he stays with Japan, I'm in,” Brown said.

Nel said the possible recruitment of Jamie Joseph feels like a ‘done deal’ on social media as there is little mention of other coaching possibilities.

“He's the guy everyone's talking about and it's strange for me because he's had a few good jobs and he's a decent coach, but I mean the last time he won something I think was in 2016, so you sort of think is it more on reputation or hype?

“I suppose Tony would probably have to weigh up where he's got a better chance of winning a World Cup,” he continued.

Nel said he hasn’t heard anything officially, but believes he will likely hear from South Africa Rugby within the next couple of days.

The All Blacks are set to play four Test against South Africa as part of their 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' tour in August-September.

Listen to the full interview below: