6 Nov 2019

Brown's coaching loyalties lie with Joseph

6:42 am on 6 November 2019

Japan assistant rugby coach Tony Brown says his loyalty is with Jamie Joseph.

Tony Brown

Tony Brown Photo: Photosport

Brown told Sky Sport he's turned down approaches from both Ian Foster and Scott Robertson to join them in applying for the vacant All Blacks coaching position.

Brown says if Joseph remains with Japan, he will stay with him as assistant coach.

Joseph and Brown worked together at the Highlanders before moving to Japan.

The duo took the Brave Blossoms on an unbeaten run through pool play to the quarterfinals at the World Cup, where they lost 26-3 to eventual champions South Africa.

Brown says if Joseph applies for the All Blacks job, he'll be a part of his coaching team.

Meanwhile, outgoing All Blacks captain Kieran Read won't be drawn on who he thinks will best fill the vacant All Blacks coaching role.

Two potential replacements for Steve Hansen include Crusaders Super Rugby coach Robertson and current All Blacks assistant coach Foster.

Pushed to pick between the two men, both of whom who he has played for, Read - who takes up a one-year contract with Japanese club Toyota in the new year - wouldn't be swayed.

"They both bring a lot - I'm not going to get into that. I respect both coaches, and whoever gets the job will do a great job."