Tony Brown will join the All Blacks as an assistant coach from 2028.
In a statement that will create a stir around the rugby world, New Zealand Rugby announced that Brown, contracted as an assistant coach at the Springboks until the end of the next year's Rugby World Cup, will join on a two-year contract.
NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster said: “Tony is a world-class coach who is highly regarded and consistently sought after by head coaches and teams around the world.
“We know Tony is available after the 2027 Rugby World Cup and he’s made it clear he would love to be part of the All Blacks. This decision is simple - it’s about ensuring the best coaches return to New Zealand.
“It’s for the All Blacks head coach to shape the structure and portfolios of their coaching team and we have every confidence that Tony is a high-quality addition when he joins in 2028.”
In what is an intriguing line in the statement, the decision to appoint Brown, a former All Blacks No.10 known for his coaching innovations and creativity, was led by incoming NZ Rugby high performance director Don Tricker. Tricker starts his role full-time in November 2026.
Brown has previously coached at the Highlanders and Japan with Jamie Joseph, who missed out to Dave Rennie for the All Blacks' head coaching job this year.
It said Rennie was "engaged throughout the process and is supportive of the appointment".
However, Rennie's attack coach at the All Blacks, from Scotland international Mike Blair, may be wondering what Brown's appointment means for his future.
Rennie's other assistants are Tana Umaga, Jason Ryan and Neil Barnes. Rennie has also asked former head coach Sir Graham Henry to be a selector.
Lancaster added: “One of Don’s roles is to lead the appointments of our national team coaches. As part of that we have agreed with Dave we will discuss the process for the All Blacks head coach role no later than the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby Championship.
“For now, Dave and his coaching team are absolutely focused on what’s in front of them and we look forward to challenging ourselves against Tony and the Springboks in the coming months.”
The appointment will add a new edge to the All Blacks' tour of South Africa which starts in August.
Rennie officially replaced the sacked Scott Robertson in March this year. He has signed until the end of the 2027 World Cup.
Rennie yesterday celebrated the success of his Japanese club Kobe Steelers in winning the Japan League 1 championship. The Steelers beat Kubota Spears 22-13.
Rennie will name his first All Blacks squad for July's Nations Championship on Monday, June 22.
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