The other side of Tony Brown

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks can learn a lot from Tony Brown’s “values”.

That was the view of Highlanders Head of Rugby Jamie Joseph.

Brown was unveiled as one of the Boks’ new assistant coaches this past week and Joseph is one of those people who knows exactly what Brown can bring to the party.

During Joseph’s stints as head coach of the Highlanders and Japan, Brown was one of his assistants.

“The Highlanders, in Japan, it’s easy to actually measure the impact he has on the field,” Joseph told Stuff.

“But it’s the off-the-field stuff for me – his rugby values and his personal values are the same.

“So, that’s what he wants in his players around hard work and integrity and honesty and humour, and balance.

“He’s everything. He’s a good sports person, he’s quite happy to have a beer, he plays golf, he plays cricket, he plays every sport, and he just loves the team.

“For a head coach, he’s an awesome support in that area.”

The story continues below…

Joseph believes Brown will fit seamlessly into the Bok set-up.

“He does it in a way that he doesn’t intrude on a culture,” Joseph said.

“He did it in Japan, and he’ll do it in any team.

“The rugby side of ‘Brownie’ is good, but the other part is just as good.”