Former England international Mike Brown becomes Sporting Director at Esher
Brown was capped 72 times by England during his playing career
©PA
Former England and Harlequins full-back Mike Brown has expressed his excitement after being confirmed as the new Sporting Director of National Two East side Esher.
The 40-year-old will lead the 1st XV and oversee all senior sides at Molesey Road after Director of Rugby Peter Winterbottom parted ways with the club at the beginning of the week.
The EEEs - who were relegated from National One last season - currently find themselves 10th in the standings and on a six-match losing run.
Injuries, retirements, and departures have all contributed to Esher’s slide, but Brown shares the same enthusiasm and ambition as his new club as they look to turn things around.
Speaking to Esher’s website, Brown, who was capped 72 times by England, said: “I’m genuinely excited to get started. Esher is a club with deep heritage and real ambition, and I’m proud to be joining at a time where the potential on and off the field is so clear.
“I believe in what this club stands for, the direction it’s set, and the quality of people already here. There’s plenty of hard work ahead, in planning, preparation and recruitment, but that’s what makes this opportunity so energising.
“I can’t wait to contribute, help shape the journey, and play my part in driving the club, its players and supporters towards our long-term vision.”
Brown will also work alongside Head of Player Development Pathway Harvey Scott to support player progression as he aims to provide consistency across the club’s “One Club, One Esher” framework.
But towards the top of his in-tray will be reviving Esher’s fortunes, with the club travelling to bottom of the table Oxford Harlequins in Round 12 in National Two East.
Speaking about Brown’s arrival, Esher President Mark Bennett added: “We [firstly] thank Peter for his outstanding contribution to our club over the years. We will no doubt continue to see him at the club as an Esher Legend.
"It is a fantastic honour to welcome Mike to Esher, where he will make an immediate and long-term difference to the entire club. Esher is ambitious for all our rugby teams and players, and Mike will help ensure we begin to deliver on those ambitions, especially at 1st and 2nd XV levels.
"We have a thriving and growing Club, Mike will be integral to taking the Club to even higher levels as well as nurturing new talent coming through the Development Pathway into the Senior Sides at Esher.
"It is a very exciting time to be part of Esher!!”
.jpg "Barnes are once again in the mix towards the top of National Two East")