Tony Brown reveals why he chose Japan over the All Blacks
Tony Brown has revealed that he had no fear in turning down a position with the All Blacks to maintain his coaching relationship with long-time colleague Jamie Joseph.
The 44-year-old former All Black first-five was linked to an assistant role with both Ian Foster and Scott Robertson as the duo bolstered their claims to become Steve Hansen’s replacement as head coach of the New Zealand side.
Brown’s association with both Foster and Robertson in the All Blacks’ search process for a new head coach came after he had built a reputation as one of rugby’s most astute attacking coaches during his time with the Sanyo Wild Knights, Otago, Highlanders, Sunwolves and Japan.
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His success reached new levels at this year’s World Cup, when he assisted Joseph in leading the Brave Blossoms to a maiden quarter-final appearance in their home tournament after registering first-ever wins over Ireland and Scotland in pool play.
Throughout the World Cup, Japan captivated onlookers with their high-paced, skilful style of play, of which has become synonymous with Brown as an assistant coach.
Consequently, he became a man in demand as the hunt for the next All Blacks boss ramped up, with Foster, Robertson and Joseph all looking to acquire the 18-test playmaker’s services beyond 2019.
However, when Joseph dropped out of the All Blacks race to re-commit himself to Japan through to the 2023 World Cup, Brown had no qualms in joining his associate, of whom worked together to clinch the Highlanders’ sole Super Rugby crown four years ago.
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“During the World Cup, I had aligned myself with Scott Robertson and Ian Foster and still with Jamie if he decided to have a crack at the [All Blacks] job. So in my mind, I thought whoever got the job I would be involved somewhere as an assistant coach,” he told the Otago Daily Times.
“But just after the World Cup, when I got back home and had a few days to think about it, it just did not feel right to be floating between different coaching teams.
“Ultimately, Jamie and I have had a pretty good coaching relationship for eight years, or whatever it is. We understand each other, complement each other. For me, that is the enjoyable thing about coaching, being able to coach the way I want to coach, and Jamie allows me to do that. We get on well together. If I want to continue in the job, it has to be enjoyable.
“A couple of days before he [Joseph] pulled out [of the All Blacks job] we had a catch-up, and he said, ‘This is what I am thinking’.
“And I was really comfortable with that because deep down that is what I was thinking – the same thing.”
Brown added that one of the major bonuses in staying onboard with the Brave Blossoms was that it allowed him to maintain his three-year deal as an assistant coach with the Highlanders, which begins next season.
Furthermore, his love for Japan also played a significant role in his decision-making when it came time to choosing between the All Blacks and the Brave Blossoms.
“When you play in Japan for a long period of time you create a great allegiance for the country. Coaching Japan over the All Blacks for me is an exciting challenge. I feel like I owe them a lot. Been there since 2004. Love the country and love the people. Anyone who goes to Japan say the people are amazing and they are.”
While his international focus will be firmly targeted on continuing the success he’s sustained with Japan, Brown is also hoping to deliver silverware with the Highlanders in his second stint with the Dunedin-based franchise.
“Obviously there are a few new faces floating around both in management and playing group,” he said of the team that he last coached in 2017.
“Quite an exciting opportunity we have got. Almost start again. It’s not about going back but creating new challenges and new ways to play the game.”
The Highlanders kick-off their 2020 Super Rugby campaign on February 7 against the Sharks in Dunedin, while the All Blacks are expected to name their new head coach on December 12.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Just such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
2 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
4 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
4 Go to comments