Highlanders assistant coach Tony Brown says SA Rugby’s potential exit from southern-hemisphere competitions would be akin to the loss of an old and treasured friend.

The 45-year-old former All Black is currently serving as one of Aaron Mauger’s assistant coaches at the Highlanders.

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With his team set to host the Sharks in Dunedin on Friday, Brown has weighed in on the raging debate about whether South African rugby should quit Sanzaar and join the northern hemisphere.

‘I just think that South Africa and New Zealand have always had that tradition around playing each other,’ Brown said.

‘Probably traditionally they are the two best nations in the world at rugby and there’s always that real physical battle against South African teams.

‘I think South Africa really respect New Zealand rugby as well and it would be sad if they went up to the northern hemisphere and moved their professional rugby up that way.’

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