"Would love that opportunity!" - Mike Brown wants swansong against the All Blacks

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 at 09:28

byRugby Rucker

Former England fullback Mike Brown could end his career by taking on the All Blacks with the Barbarians in November.

Brown, who has been a free agent since leaving Newcastle Falcon in June, revealed he'd love to play in the Autumn fixture.

The soon-to-be 37-year-old was snapped up by Dean Richards in 2021 when he was cut loose by Harlequins, the London club where he had spent his entire career.

Brown has struggled to find a new club but has revealed he'd love to play for the Barbarians this Autumn.

"Would love that opportunity!" tweeted Brown.

He added: "Especially with those two (Ronan O’Gara/Scott Robertson) coaching, what an experience."

Former All Black flanker Robertson, who has led Crusaders to four successive Super Rugby titles as coach since 2017, will be joined by O’Gara, second all-time Irish cap with 128 between 2000-2013, three times a British Lion, 2009 Grand Slam winner and twice Heineken Champions Cup winner with Munster.

The Killik Cup | Barbarians v All Blacks XV

2pm Sunday 13 November 2022* | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Find out more about the fixture here.

*date and time subject to change

Brown ranks the three ‘best rugby stadiums for atmosphere’

#1. Franklin's Gardens (Northampton Saints)

Capacity:15,249
Address: Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Rd, Northampton NN5 5BG

BROWN SAID: "In the prem I’d have to say I’ve always loved Saints. Amazing home support and hostile which I enjoyed."

WHAT’S FRANKLIN’S GARDENS LIKE?

Impressive stadium with good facilities, plenty of options for eating and drinking. All seats give a good clear uninterrupted view of the pitch.

The Hospitality suite in the Barwell Stand is very well run with excellent food and drink and efficient service. Ideal for corporate entertainment or an individual treat.

#2. Welford Road (Leicester Tigers)

Capacity: 25,800
Address: Aylestone Road, Leicester, LE2 7TR

WHAT’S WELFORD ROAD LIKE?

"The atmosphere on a big match day at Welford Road is hard to beat, with the passionate fans kept close to the action and well-oiled from the many bars inside!" - Rugby Ground Guide

#3. Thomond Park (Munster)

Capacity: 25,600
Address: Cratloe Road, Limerick, Ireland

BROWN SAID:

Abroad I’d have to say Munster at Thomond Park when we beat them in 2011. That was unbelievable.

WHAT’S THOMOND PARK LIKE?

"Thomond Park is a fantastic purpose-built rugby stadium just outside Limerick City Centre that was completely redeveloped in 2008. The capacity currently stands at around 26,000, making it the largest club rugby ground on the island of Ireland." - Rugby Ground Guide