The Mike Brewer Fact File

By Whaley Shark
April 29 2010

Blimey, we have a "rugby department". Sounds posh. We're also seeing an immediate impact from Brian Kennedy's root and branch review, with Mike Brewer joining and Jason Robinson moving on. We all know Jason, one of the most gifted players ever to grace either code of the game, but who is Mike Brewer? The Whaley Shark spent a few minutes on the internet......

Mike Brewer-

Is a 46 year old New Zealander who was a 6’5”, 101 kg (16 stone 3 lb) back row forward for Otago (1986-1992) and Canterbury (1993-1995)

Made his All Black debut aged 21 in a win against France and, in all, won 32 international caps. He scored one test try, retiring from international rugby in 1995.

Played on the losing side in the tryless 1995 World Cup final

Coached in the northern hemisphere after his playing career ended, initially in Ireland, then with West Hartlepool, and L’Aquila in Italy, before returning to Ireland to coach Old Belvedere and, as assistant to Michael Cheika, Leinster from 2005.

Joined Scotland as forwards coach at the start of the 2008-2009 season

Left Scotland after he wasn’t shortlisted for the Head Coach role in May 2009, when Frank Hadden left, eventually to be replaced by Andy Robinson.

Joined the Fijians as Technical Director for their short tour in the winter of 2009, losing to Scotland and Ireland, but beating Romania.

Relaxes by playing golf (sunny weather only), spending time on the beach and fishing