Super Rugby Pacific: Former All Black Tony Brown links up with Blues as assistant coach Jason O'Halloran granted medical leave

Former All Blacks first-five turned South Africa attack coach Tony Brown will link up with the Blues after assistant Jason O'Halloran has been granted medical leave.   

O'Halloran, 51, has been afforded time away from the Blues' pre-season preparations due to a medical issue in relation to diabetes.   

"The club are supporting Jason as he works through his personal medical situation and we want to give him all the time and space he needs," said chief exectutive Andrew Hore.   

"We feel for Jason at this time; since being at the Blues he's made a real impact on staff, players and most notably his fellow coaches.    

"He'll be warmly welcomed back to Blues HQ when the time is right."  

As a result, his absence will be filled by Brown - who earlier this month was confirmed as an addition to the new Springboks coaching set-up under the returning Rassie Erasmus.   

Brown boasts a wealth of experience at Super Rugby level, having been an assistant to Jamie Joseph during their maiden title victory in 2015, before taking the reins as head coach in 2021.   

However, Blues coach Vern Cotter outlines his appointment is only temporary, while O'Halloran returns to full health.   

"Realistically, having Tony in is a stop-gap measure while Jason recovers," he said.   

"It's a testament to my coaching group that things have continued on with little interruption while he's had some time away."

Former All Blacks first-five turned South Africa attack coach Tony Brown will link up with the Blues after assistant Jason O'Halloran has been granted medical leave.   

O'Halloran, 51, has been afforded time away from the Blues' pre-season preparations due to a medical issue in relation to diabetes.   

"The club are supporting Jason as he works through his personal medical situation and we want to give him all the time and space he needs," said chief exectutive Andrew Hore.   

"We feel for Jason at this time; since being at the Blues he's made a real impact on staff, players and most notably his fellow coaches.    

"He'll be warmly welcomed back to Blues HQ when the time is right."  

As a result, his absence will be filled by Brown - who earlier this month was confirmed as an addition to the new Springboks coaching set-up under the returning Rassie Erasmus.   

Brown boasts a wealth of experience at Super Rugby level, having been an assistant to Jamie Joseph during their maiden title victory in 2015, before taking the reins as head coach in 2021.   

However, Blues coach Vern Cotter outlines his appointment is only temporary, while O'Halloran returns to full health.   

"Realistically, having Tony in is a stop-gap measure while Jason recovers," he said.   

"It's a testament to my coaching group that things have continued on with little interruption while he's had some time away."

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