Former England and Harlequins star Mike Brown has landed a major new role after being appointed Director of Rugby at Loughborough University.
The 41-year-old, who won 72 caps for England, will officially take up the position in January 2027.
Brown has spent the last 10 months working as Sporting Director at Esher RFC, where he has overseen the first XV and the wider senior rugby programme.
He will remain with the National League 2 East club until the end of the year before making the move to Loughborough.
The University confirmed Brown's appointment on Wednesday, with the former full-back set to oversee the strategic direction and commercial growth of both men's and women's rugby.
His remit will cover BUCS, National League rugby and Premiership Women's Rugby, while he will also work with Loughborough's existing women's partnership with Northampton Saints.
Brown said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the University as Director of Rugby.
“Loughborough’s reputation for sporting excellence is unrivalled, so it is a huge privilege to be joining such an iconic sporting institution.
“I’ve always been drawn to environments with big ambition, high standards and a genuine desire to keep improving, and Loughborough represents all of that.”
Brown added that he was looking forward to helping shape the “next chapter” of the programme across both the men's and women's game.
The appointment represents another significant step in Brown's transition from playing into rugby management.
Loughborough also revealed that Brown has completed a Master's degree in Sporting Directorship, adding to the experience he has gained since joining Esher in December 2025.
England and Harlequins legend
Brown enjoyed a remarkable 21-year professional playing career.
He became synonymous with Harlequins, making a club-record 351 appearances before leaving the Stoop in 2021.
He subsequently played for Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers before bringing his playing career to an end.
At Test level, Brown collected 72 England caps after making his debut against South Africa in 2007.
He became England's most-capped specialist full-back and was one of the standout players of the Stuart Lancaster era.
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Five quirky facts about Mike Brown
1. He didn't want to be a full-back
Brown actually grew up playing fly-half and wasn't initially happy when coach Mike Marchant – father of England international Joe Marchant – moved him to full-back.
Brown later admitted he went into the position “kicking and screaming”, before eventually falling in love with the number 15 shirt.
2. David Beckham was his sporting hero
Despite becoming an England rugby star himself, Brown once revealed that David Beckham was the sportsman he admired most.
A Manchester United supporter, Brown praised Beckham's work ethic and pride in representing England – and even jokingly admitted to having a “man-crush” on him.
3. He supports Wigan Warriors
Brown's sporting interests extend well beyond rugby union.
Despite growing up around Wiltshire and Hampshire, he revealed that he follows rugby league giants Wigan Warriors as well as Manchester United.
4. His father-in-law played football for England
Brown married Eliza Woodcock, whose father Tony Woodcock was a top-level footballer.
Woodcock won 42 England caps and played for the likes of Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and German club Köln.
There was even a rugby connection before Brown and Eliza got together – Woodcock reportedly asked England and Harlequins legend Jason Leonard about his future son-in-law.
5. Dean Richards used the weather to sell him Newcastle
When Brown left Harlequins after 16 years, former Quins boss Dean Richards helped convince him to join Newcastle Falcons.
Brown later joked that Richards had told him it was “30-degree heat all year round” in the North East.
Considering the North East weather, Brown probably worked that one out fairly quickly.
