England rugby star Mike Brown quits sport with parting shot
Mike Brown is to retire at the end of the season and has called on rugby's leaders to set aside self-interest and make "bold, unselfish decisions" to grow the game
England's Mike Brown (centre) was always a fierce competitor against Wales
(Image: PA )
Mike Brown, the veteran full-back known as 'Mr Angry' for his fiery playing style and frank opinions, is set to retire at the conclusion of this season. He has called upon rugby's hierarchy to put collective growth before personal gain in a final parting shot.
The 39 year old, who earned 72 caps for England between 2007 and 2018, will bid farewell to the sport following Leicester Tigers' campaign for the Gallagher Premiership title next month.
Boasting a commendable tally of 280 league matches, placing him fourth in the all-time list, and playing over 530 professional games across two decades, Brown's career has been nothing short of illustrious. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
In light of his retirement, Brown has issued an appeal to the sport's leaders, urging them to safeguard rugby's future through cooperation and magnanimity.
"Club owners, league executives, national and international governing body senior leadership – my hope is that you come together, think beyond the short term and make the bold, unselfish decisions needed to allow rugby to thrive once again," he articulated.
For Brown, protecting and growing rugby isn't just a hope; it's deemed a duty to ensure that coming generations can cherish the sport as he did.
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"We have a responsibility to protect and grow this incredible game so future generations can experience everything it has to offer – just as I have."
However, Brown doesn't limit his call for a positive change to those in leadership roles alone.
"Media figures, pundits, former players, commentators – I urge you to continue helping shift the negative narrative around rugby," he expanded in what seems like a farewell manifesto shared on Leicester's official website.
"Let's talk more about the brilliant action, the big hits, the electric tries, the unbelievable skill, the fierce rivalries and the amazing characters who make our game special.
"Rugby is full of passion, drama, and world-class athletes giving their all. By celebrating what makes our sport great, we can inspire the next generation, bring more fans through the gates, grow the game and remind everyone why we fell in love with it in the first place."
"After a great deal of reflection, the time feels right to step away from professional rugby and officially retire from the game that has shaped my life in so many ways," he said.
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"To the fans – your support and your energy has meant everything. Whether I was a player you liked or not, I hope you always saw the passion, commitment, and pride I felt in representing your club and our country. I never took that privilege for granted.
"Rugby has given me more than I could ever have imagined, but now it's time for a new chapter.
"I'm excited for what's ahead: continuing to work in high-performing environments, building great teams, pushing boundaries, and helping others grow."
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