With Mike Brown among those shortlisted for Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season, I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on his rise through the ranks as a young and somewhat unnoticed player, to a living legend within the world of rugby.
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He
was the star of the Six Nations. Fleet of foot, terrific in the
tackles, a safe pair of hands and Mr Dependable. And that’s
without mentioning the firecracker flair!
But
it’s good to know the mighty Mike Brown hasn’t forgotten his
roots.
When
we look at this season’s success, you might wonder where it all
started.
Well,
I heard him on the radio recently, chatting about where it all began
and how much he owes a number of clubs for helping him when he was
young. He started playing for the colts at Salisbury RFC – the
proving ground for two other England internationals who share the
same name: Richard Hill the flanker and Richard Hill the scrum-half.
It
was encouraging to hear the current crop of young talent being
nurtured in the Wiltshire city, talking about how Mike Brown is
inspiring them and how a number are already representing England at
junior level. They have been keeping a close eye on this season’s
international sensation - proof today of what could be in store for
them - tomorrow.
Just
down the road at Melksham RFC, coaches are using Mr Brown to inspire
and encourage in a different way; because when he was there as a
teenager, he never did manage to attract the attention of regional
selectors; Which is why Melksham’s up and coming players are being
told that making it to the top is a not a vertical rise. However
pulling on the club’s shirt at colt and first team level, knowing
someone like Mike Brown has gone before them to play for England, is
quite a motivator!
Mr
Brown himself still clearly appreciates the help and support the club
gave him in his teens and it’s good to know he’s primed to return
to open their new clubhouse:
The
star of the moment - remembering those who’ve helped him on his
journey.
And
look where he is now. A player with such composure and tenacity. A
player who is a complete Mr Reliable.
We
have all come to know and love this Harlequins’ hero.
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All
the best for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season, Mr
Brown and thank you for all those memorable moments!
*The
other nominees are Dan Braid - Sale Sharks, Vereniki Goneva -
Leicester Tigers, Samu Manoa - Northampton Saints and Chris Pennell -
Worcester Warriors.