Ahead of Harlequins vs Barbarians on 17 November, Quins have confirmed that record appearance holder Mike Brown to The Stoop.
Brown, who amassed an incredible 351 appearances in the Famous Quarters, will return to represent the Barbarians managed by legendary New Zealand coach Scott Robertson as the Barbarians take on a strong Harlequins team for this high profile event under the ‘Thursday Night Lights’ in Twickenham.
Brown said: “I can’t wait to return home to The Stoop and to run out in front of our supporters once more. The Club kindly offered that I could play for Harlequins but I hold pulling on the Quins shirt as a huge honour and for that reason it wouldn’t feel right taking that away from someone in the current squad who’s earnt it. It will feel strange to go toe to toe with my old team mates and friends once more but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the Barbarians at my former home and it will be a very special evening.”
Brown will be joined by several players from Worcester Warriors and Wasps as the Barbarians look to support the rugby family by including some players affected by the recent challenges at both clubs. Wasps and Springbok scrum half Francois Hougaard will don the famous Black and White jersey and will be joined by former team mate and Irish international prop John Ryan.
Englishmen Jacob Umaga and Dan Robson will also join the Barbarians from Wasps for the match and will offer notable experience in English conditions for the match. Representation from Worcester Warriors will be confirmed shortly.
Further team news to follow in the coming days involving the addition of some high profile international players including All Blacks.
Tickets are still available for the inaugural meeting of the two side and can be bought here.
Mike Brown facts:
- He has won three Six Nations Championship titles with England and two English Premiership titles with Harlequins
- Having mainly played football and little rugby, he initially wanted to play fly-half
- Brown was an integral part of the England team that won the RBS Six Nations Championship in 2016 and played every match in the 3–0 whitewash of Australia
- Brown married long term partner, fashion designer Eliza Scarlett Woodcock, the daughter of former England international footballer Tony Woodcock, in summer 2016
- He was selected by the general public for the 2014 RBS Six Nations player of the championship award
LIST: Five players with surprising post rugby career plans
It’s not a common occurrence but these five rugby players will likely put rugby behind them entirely when they retire and enter a completely new profession.
#1. Finn Russell (Scotland) - Stonemason
After secondary school, the Scotland star pursued an apprenticeship for three years as a stonemason, in a business owned by a family friend, whilst his rugby developed. Pocketing £300 per week, supplemented by £50 in his hand from Falkirk Rugby Club, Russell is now one of the pre-eminent stand-offs in world rugby and certainly one of the most exciting. However, during an interview with Prime Video he revealed he plans on returning to the trade once he hangs up his boots.
#2. Jack Nowell (England) - Pub Landlord
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall. Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere. Nowell has revealed he'd like to run the pub full time once his playing career is done.
#3. Sam Underhill (England) – Painter/Decorator
Before securing a professional contract, the future England superstar served an apprenticeship under his Granddad as a painter and decorator. Thhttps://www.ruck.co.uk/i-cant-wait-mike-brown-confirms-his-return-to-harlequins/2/e 24-year-old, who likes keeping busy, has confirmed he'd like to return to the trade when his rugby days are done.
#4. Maro Itoje (England) - Politics
He launched the podcast series Pearl Conversations, which featured prominent Black role models. Itoje is also a supporter of the educational charity The Black Curriculum, which is focused on introducing more Black British history into the UK curriculum.
The England second-row has revealed he'd like to move into politics, which he studied at university, once his career is over,
#5. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - Dairy Farming
The powerhouse Ireland and leinster prop, who has started the last six British & Irish Lions tests, still helps out on his family farm.
“I’m happy out on the farm," revealed Furlong to the Irish Telegraph, You’ve freedom, that’s what you have. You can go out around the fields."
Furlong maintains the family’s dairy farm, of about 50 or 60 acres, is small.
