While he has unequivocally endorsed former running mate Jamie Joseph to replace Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach, he will not be in the frame to form part of the new staff.
Speculation the coveted attack coach has a get-out clause that would enable him to get out of his four-year deal with the Springboks and skip straight to the All Blacks has been wide of the mark.
Brown told the Otago Daily Times yesterday no such clause existed.
"I’ve signed through to 2027," he said.
So he is definitely staying with the Springboks until after the World Cup?
"Correct."
Brown has already twice turned down New Zealand Rugby, which was keen to enlist the Otago man when Ian Foster took the top job in 2020 and again when Robertson was appointed.
He made no secret of his desire to be part of a Joseph-led All Blacks coaching team at the time.
It does beg the question: if he had known the All Blacks job would be vacant just two years into a World Cup cycle following Robertson’s dumping, would he have signed a four-year deal with the Springboks?
"That’s a tough question," Brown said.
"When Scott Robertson got the job, you always thought at the time it was going to be a four to eight-year deal for him, because of his success, and he’d put his coaching team together, and they were all pretty high-profile coaches.
"I didn’t really see the coaching team falling apart and Razor being axed after two years, that’s for sure.
"It’s definitely tough on Razor. And it’s something I never saw New Zealand Rugby doing."
Brown did not hesitate when asked if he endorsed Highlanders coach Joseph to replace Robertson.
"Always. Yeah, always.
"He’s definitely highly qualified for the job. He’s got international experience, and he knows how to bring a rugby team together and get them playing well and playing for each other.
"The environment will be good and it will definitely be a tough All Blacks team if he’s in charge."
Brown said he was enjoying the role in South Africa and being part of a team, led by enigmatic coach Rassie Erasmus, shaping as favourites to win a third consecutive World Cup.
"They’re a good team to coach, and we’ve got a good management team.
"Obviously Rassie is also very good as a head coach. It’s been enjoyable so far."
The All Blacks head to South Africa later this year for the four-test Greatest Rivalry tour.
Excitement was building everywhere for the tour, Brown said.
"South Africa, as a nation, love their rugby. It’s going to be a really exciting tour, but a tough one for the All Blacks as well.
"I’ve heard a lot of people are going over to support the All Blacks, and I think it will be an amazing time for anyone heading to South Africa and getting involved in that tour."
And if Brown looks across at the next coaching box and sees his longtime coaching compadre?
"I’ll be stoked for Jamie. He’ll do a good job.
"But who knows what’s going to happen? No-one’s really heard anything from New Zealand Rugby."
