The Highlanders have confirmed that Sunwolves coach Tony Brown will return to the Dunedin franchise in 2020.

The former Otago and Highlanders player has been in charge of the Sunwolves this year, and is still assisting Jamie Joseph in coaching the Japanese national team in preparation for the World Cup.

Brown will be an assistant coach with, his coaching portfolio yet to be finalised, but is looking forward to being involved with the Highlanders again.

‘As most people would know the Highlanders are a very special team to me and the opportunity to be involved again is too good to turn down,’ Brown said.

‘They are a great team to coach, they play positive footy and next year they have some exciting new talent coming through that I believe I can help develop to the next level.’

The Highlanders have already retained a core group of 23 players from this year’s campaign for 2020, including All Blacks Aaron Smith and Liam Coltman.

Photo: Justin Fuchs/Gallo Images