Mike Brown in line for shock England return – Borthwick plots veteran’s comeback

Sunday, 16 February 2025 at 09:14

byRugby Rucker

Steve Borthwick is reportedly considering a sensational move to bring former England fullback Mike Brown back into the national setup—not as a player, but as a mentor—to support Marcus Smith’s transition to the No. 15 jersey.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

England pulled off a dramatic 33-31 victory over Six Nations favourites France last weekend, with Elliot Daly crossing for a match-winning try in the 79th minute at a packed Allianz Stadium. Fin Smith, making his first start at fly-half, coolly slotted the decisive conversion to secure the win, exorcising the ghosts of England’s last-play defeat to Australia in the autumn.

One of Borthwick’s boldest moves has been shifting Marcus Smith to fullback—a surprising decision as the Harlequins playmaker looks to establish himself in an unfamiliar position. Now, Borthwick is turning to Mike Brown—one of England’s most experienced No. 15s—to provide guidance behind the scenes.

From Fan Favourite to Forgotten Man

Mike Brown, now 38, was once a fixture in the England backline, renowned for his fearless approach and defensive solidity. After making his debut in 2007, he became a key figure under Stuart Lancaster and later Eddie Jones, earning 72 caps over an 11-year international career.

Despite his consistency, Brown was dropped after England’s tour of South Africa in 2018, with Jones favouring younger, more versatile options. Since then, his international return has seemed improbable—until now.

Silverware and Street-Fighter Mentality

Brown’s career is decorated with honours. He won three Six Nations titles (2011, 2016, 2017) and was named Player of the Championship in 2014, a testament to his relentless work ethic and combative playing style.

At club level, Brown spent 16 seasons with Harlequins, where he helped deliver two Premiership Rugby titles (2012 and 2021). Known for his fiery temperament and never-back-down attitude, he later had spells with Newcastle Falconsand Leicester Tigers, where he worked under Borthwick.

Guiding the Next Generation

Borthwick’s decision to bring Brown back in a mentoring role signals a desire to fast-track Marcus Smith’s development as a fullback. Brown’s positional expertise—particularly his dominance under the high ball and defensive organisation—could prove crucial as England continues to refine their back-three strategy.

While his playing days may be behind him, Brown’s influence could be exactly what England needs as they push for their first Six Nations title since 2020.

Could his no-nonsense mentality help shape the next generation of England stars? Time will tell.

Jonny Wilkinson didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent

England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?

The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most "hated" facing during his career.

#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

Lomu's one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.

WILKINSON SAID: "One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”

DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999

#4. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.

WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”

DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player

#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)

WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.

DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in 'greatest ever' sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached

#2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

WILKINSON SAID: "“A guy that stood the test of time and has remained at the best, the highest level of the game for that time. Finishing second best was never an option."

DID YOU KNOW? McCaw led his country to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015

#1. Christophe Dominici (France)

Dominici played 67 times for his country and won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008. In recent years he had worked as a pundit for French radio and TV before his death in 2020.

WILKINSON SAID: "His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”

DID YOU KNOW? Dominci appeared in three World Cups for his country in 1999, 2003 and 2007, scoring eight tries over that time.

Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?

The British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!

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