Another big blow for All Blacks as top coach REJECTS their approach

Brown has long been on NZ Rugby’s radar and twice rejected approaches from the union, declining opportunities to join both Ian Foster’s and Scott Robertson’s coaching teams.

Instead, the former All Blacks playmaker stayed loyal to Jamie Joseph, following him to Japan and remaining there through the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Only after the tournament did Brown link up with Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks, where he has played a key role in South Africa’s attacking evolution.

With Robertson now out of the picture, speculation quickly grew that it could be third time lucky for NZ Rugby — especially with Joseph emerging as the frontrunner for the All Blacks head coach role.

However, Erasmus wasted no time shutting down the noise.

Taking to social media platform X on Saturday night, the Springboks boss responded in classic Rassie fashion, posting a meme from The Wolf of Wall Street.

The image showed Leonardo DiCaprio’s famous “I’m not leaving” scene — with Tony Brown’s face edited onto it.

“Today is a great day!! Sleep Lekka,” Erasmus wrote.

Moments later, he doubled down by sharing an AI-generated version of the same scene, making his message crystal clear: Tony Brown isn’t going anywhere.

Here we examine five realistic candidates, each offering a different mix of experience, continuity and risk going forward.

Jamie Joseph appears the front-runner, largely because he is already embedded within New Zealand Rugby’s elite pathway. A former Otago flanker, Joseph earned 20 All Blacks caps between 1992 and 1995 before later representing Japan. His long playing and coaching connection to the New Zealand system gives him a level of familiarity few candidates can match.

His coaching career has been wide-ranging and successful, including stints with Wellington, the Māori All Blacks, the Highlanders, Japan and the Sunwolves. He returned to the Highlanders in 2024 and was appointed head coach of the All Blacks XV in 2025, a move widely viewed as positioning him for higher honours.

Joseph’s track record of building disciplined, resilient teams is well established, most notably with Japan’s historic rise on the world stage. With deep knowledge of local structures and strong international credibility, he offers both continuity and authority. If NZR wants a smooth transition rather than a reset, Joseph shapes as the most natural successor.

Clayton McMillan has built his reputation through steady progression and strong leadership at multiple levels of the game. Raised in Rotorua, he combined a playing career for Bay of Plenty with work as a police officer before moving into coaching. His grounding in provincial rugby has shaped a practical, people-focused coaching style.

He impressed as head coach of Bay of Plenty and later with the Chiefs, where he initially took over in an interim role in 2020 and became one of Super Rugby’s most respected figures. McMillan also led the Māori All Blacks from 2017 to 2023 and served as both assistant and head coach of the All Blacks XV between 2022 and 2024, giving him valuable exposure to the national setup.

However, his recent appointment as Munster head coach from mid-2025 complicates matters. While a buyout would be required, the prestige of the All Blacks job could still make him a realistic candidate if New Zealand Rugby decide he is the right long-term option.

If New Zealand opts for experience over continuity, Eddie Jones would be the most dramatic choice. One of the most travelled and decorated coaches in world rugby, Jones has led Australia, Japan and England, and worked in advisory roles with South Africa. His career has been defined by bold decisions and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

His achievements include guiding Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, masterminding Japan’s famous upset of the Springboks in 2015, and leading England to Six Nations titles and the 2019 World Cup final. He is currently back in charge of Japan, continuing his reputation as a coach capable of reshaping teams quickly.

Appointing Jones would be a major departure from tradition, making him the first non-New Zealander to coach the All Blacks. It would divide opinion, but with the 2027 World Cup looming, his record of delivering results on the biggest stages may prove difficult to ignore.

Joe Schmidt represents a blend of international success and deep familiarity with New Zealand rugby. After early coaching roles with Bay of Plenty, the Blues and Clermont Auvergne, Schmidt transformed Leinster into a European powerhouse, reaching six finals and winning four major titles in a short period.

His tenure as Ireland head coach from 2013 to 2019 elevated him to the top tier of world coaching. Ireland won three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2018, achieved their first victories over the All Blacks, and rose to number one in the world rankings for the first time in their history.

Schmidt later returned home as All Blacks attack coach between 2022 and 2023, reinforcing his understanding of the current environment. However, he stepped away from head coaching duties with Australia to prioritise family commitments. If persuaded to return, his tactical intelligence and calm authority would make him a formidable option.

Warren Gatland offers unmatched big-tournament pedigree and short-term certainty. During his long tenure with Wales from 2007 to 2019, he delivered three Six Nations titles, all Grand Slams, and guided the team to two World Cup semi-finals. He also built a reputation for forging resilient, highly structured sides.

Gatland led the British and Irish Lions on three tours, including a series victory over Australia in 2013 and a drawn series in New Zealand in 2017. He later coached the Chiefs before returning to Wales in 2022, although his second stint ended midway through the 2025 Six Nations following a prolonged run of poor results.

While recent form has raised questions, his experience in managing elite environments remains undeniable. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Gatland could be viewed as a stabilising, short-term appointment capable of imposing structure, discipline and clarity on a squad seeking immediate direction.

With Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1987, 2011, and 2015—and as the first nation to ever retain the title—the All Blacks’ past is packed with iconic moments and unforgettable names.

Now it’s your turn: can you recognise these retro All Blacks players? Test your knowledge of the legends who shaped the black jersey.