Rassie Erasmus and AI-generated image of Tony Brown
photograph: photo sports
Outspoken Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has addressed rumors on social media regarding Tony Brown’s relationship with the currently vacant All Blacks coaching job.
Erasmus posted an AI-generated video of Brown, who is currently the attacking coach of the world champion Springboks, and said: “I have no intention of quitting.”
The video replaces Brown’s face and voice at the top of a scene from The Wolf of Wall Street in which Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, speaks during an impassioned speech to employees.
Brown’s name has quickly been mentioned as a possible replacement for Scott Robertson, who was sensationally sacked on Thursday after two seasons in charge of the All Blacks.
Brown is widely believed to be reuniting with and replacing long-time coaching partner Jamie Joseph as the team prepares for a full tour of South Africa in August or September.
But Erasmus’ post seems to have thrown cold water on that idea. Brown has been instrumental in the Springboks’ recent world rugby championships, including a record win over the All Blacks in Wellington last year.
Scott Robertson and Rassie Erasmus.
photograph: action press
Erasmus is frequently active on social media and gained notoriety in 2021 when he used it to pass judgment on officials during the British & Irish Lions series in South Africa.
Most recently, after the Springboks defeated Argentina to retain the Rugby Championship, he posted a video of himself appearing to be suffering from the effects of a night of celebration.
This appeared to remove Brown from the running, but NZ Rugby was expected to name Robertson’s replacement in the coming weeks. Joseph remained the top candidate, especially as the Highlanders were rumored to be actively searching for a new coach.
Others named are Joe Schmidt and Dave Rennie, with Schmidt contracted to coach the Wallabies until the end of the Test matches in July.
