No matter what form of competition evolves next year in Super Rugby, Tony Brown will be there.
New Zealand and Australian rugby unions are a long way away in agreeing what form of Super Rugby competition next year.
The Australians appear to be hellbent on having a 10-team competition, involving five sides from each country.
NZR on the other hand is believed to want an eight-team competition which would include the five teams from New Zealand, a team from the Pacific Islands and two teams at the most from Australia.
Throw in the complaints from the New Zealand players about playing derby matches week in, week out being too tough, then it becomes a tough puzzle to solve.
The Highlanders assistant coach said the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition was exciting but it was not for him to decide on changes.
"I think the players have enjoyed going into battle against the other franchises. It is always a challenge but one that the players get up for," he said.
"Every game is pretty tough — takes a couple of days to get over — but in the end you would rather play in this competition than in a diluted one where you can play average and win games of rugby."
As for changes to the competition and how it would look next year, Brown said it was above his pay grade and to be solved by someone else.
Whatever was decided, the franchise would work through it and prepare the players for the competition.
He did miss the travel — he had been doing it for more than 20 years.
"I’m a good tourist and wouldn’t be in this job if I did not enjoying touring."
The side just had the one game left, taking on the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday. The Crusaders had already won the competition after beating the Highlanders last Sunday.
"I think it is a huge game for us as we are celebrating Aaron Smith’s 150th game. He has been a champion for us all year and I think the players will want to play well for him. And I know we want to finish strong and prove to our home fans that we have improved."
Brown said Smith had stepped up with his leadership and was driving the team with his intensity and standards.
"If you watch Aaron Smith train and prepare he is always looking to get better. He has found something that has ignited his game this year. Is exciting to watch and exciting to coach ... it is the hallmark of a quality man."
Fatherhood had helped Smith and his game, focusing him on where he was heading.
Brown said the side had made real progress in the competition and had made advances throughout the year.
Brown would head to Japan next month and start preparing the Japan side for the eight nations tournament in Europe, should it go ahead.
