Mike Brown: Leicester Tigers snap up former Harlequins and England full-back on short-term deal

Adam Kyriacou
Mike Brown

Leicester have confirmed the signing of former England full-back Mike Brown, who arrives at the Premiership club on a short-term contract.

Brown joins the Tigers after previously playing for Harlequins, where he won two Premiership titles, and most recently Newcastle Falcons in the top flight.

The vastly experienced full-back has made 72 Test appearances for England and featured in three Six Nations title-winning campaigns for the national team.

Experienced Premiership player

Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Wigglesworth was thrilled to be able to bring in a player of Brown‘s experience, who will cover their Six Nations absentees.

“Mike is an experienced Premiership player who’s represented his country and won trophies at club and Test level,” he told the Premiership club’s website.

“His experience and knowledge is vital during this Six Nations period where we have a number of players away.

“Mike is hungry to prove himself out on the pitch and impressed us with not only what he’s saying and doing off the pitch, but his efforts on the field and willingness to help those guys around him.

“Above all, Mike is a competitor and wants to be successful. We want those attributes in our players and he offers that.”

Discussing the switch to Leicester, 37-year-old Brown described the opportunity as “amazing” as he looks to make the most of the chance to play for Tigers.

“To join a club like this with all of its history and players who have been here before, it is amazing,” he explained.

“When Leicester Tigers offer you the chance to go into the environment, it is a hard one to turn down.”

Brown joins the Welford Road side with immediate effect after a recent trial period at the Tigers, which has been an experience the full-back has enjoyed.

“To get the chance to come into the environment has been great so far and a really positive experience for me,” he said.

Confident in his ability

“It has just had a great impression on me, led by enthusiastic coaches – one of which in Wiggy I have played a lot of rugby with – and then equally, all of the players have welcomed me in.

“I have felt sharp and it has been really good out on the field with this group of Tigers players.”

He added: “I still believe I have a part to play in the game. I didn’t believe it was my time to stop because I felt good and I still feel good.

“I have been staying fit, wanting to be ready and not just hanging on to hope but being best prepared if it did.”

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