Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has insisted he holds no grudges after the All Blacks secured the services of his attack coach Tony Brown.

The New Zealander will leave South Africa following the 2027 Rugby World Cup before joining their biggest rivals in 2028.

Brown has been a key part of the Springboks' coaching team since arriving in 2024, helping transform their attacking game.

However, despite losing one of his most important coaches, Erasmus insists there are no hard feelings.

Rassie Erasmus responds to All Blacks move

Speaking after the move was confirmed in June, Erasmus explained why he could not begrudge Brown the opportunity.

"We've rated him for a long time; we go a long way back, we are great friends," Erasmus told reporters, as quoted by Planet Rugby.

"People will judge Tony for wanting to go back to New Zealand, but we are really, really happy for him."

The Springboks boss added that Brown had always been open about his desire to return home.

The former All Blacks fly-half made 18 appearances for New Zealand during his playing career.

Erasmus also made it clear that releasing Brown early was never an option, despite his decision to join South Africa's fiercest rivals.

Springboks already planning replacement

Brown's departure will leave a major gap in the Springboks coaching team.

However, Erasmus revealed that he already had potential replacements in mind.

"We have a few guys in mind on who could replace Tony," he said.

"We're happy that we still have him for two years. We still want to learn a lot from him, and we are very happy for him."

New Zealand Rugby confirmed Brown's appointment on a two-year contract beginning in 2028.

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie was consulted during the process and supported the decision.

Brown will remain with South Africa until the end of the 2027 World Cup as they chase a third successive title.

The move was first announced in June, with RUCK previously reporting that the Springboks coach would be joining the All Blacks.

Having helped South Africa win their recent four-Test series against New Zealand 3-1, Brown will eventually find himself on the opposite side of one of rugby's greatest rivalries.

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