Stalwart Mike Brown to break Harlequins appearances record
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Mike Brown of Harlequins breaks past the defence during the Gallagher Premiership Big Game 11 match between Harlequins and Wasps at Twickenham Stoop on December 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images for Harlequins)
Harlequins full-back Mike Brown will break the club’s all-time appearances record when he runs out at Kingston Park on Saturday.
Quins travel to face Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership in what will be the England international’s 308th appearances for the London club, breaking the record set by Grahame Murray in 1973.
Brown, 33, made his Harlequins debut in the 2005-06 season against Doncaster Knights in the Championship, winning international honours two years later after establishing himself as the first-choice full-back at the Stoop.
Having gone on to win the club’s maiden Premiership title in 2012, Brown admitted he could hardly have envisaged he would go on to break records.
Brown said: “I never thought I would achieve this honour when I first started out at Quins. I was a wild card to even get in the academy in the first place [in 2005] but here I am now and I am really proud.”
Last October, Brown overtook Nick Easter to become Quins most-capped in the professional era. A feat which is made all the more remarkable considering he has won 72 caps for England.
Quins director of rugby, Paul Gustard told the BBC in October: “To have played 300 games for his club and over 70 for his country is an incredible achievement.
“With his bravery, courage, tenacity and how he plays the game, he gives the team confidence.”
