Wing Brew decides to hang up his boots
Former Bath and Wales wing Aled Brew has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 34.
Brew arrived at the Rec from Dragons in 2016 and made 53 appearances up until 2020 before moving back across the border to Scarlets. Following his short-term contract coming to an end at Scarlets, he has decided to step away from the sport after being one of only four players to have played for all four Welsh regions, having also been at Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Dragons.
Posting to Twitter, Brew said: “After 17 years in the game, I’ve finally made the decision to hang up the boots. I’ve been lucky enough to spend half my life playing this game and I wouldn’t change a thing (although my knees may disagree), it’s given me so many opportunities and an abundance of memories and friendships that I will cherish.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing for a few amazing clubs with the best supporters you could wish for. I am so grateful to those who have supported me.
“I’ve given 100 per cent to the game and there’s no denying I’m going to miss it, but at least now I can start throwing out a few of the old timers’ cliches.
“While the path of my next chapter is yet to be determined, one thing remains certain and that is I will attack the next chapters with the same passion, commitment, graft and honesty as I did during my entire rugby career. Thanks and Merry Christmas, Brewy.”
Bath Rugby said: “Congratulations on the career Brewy. Thank you for your contributions to the Blue, Black and White. We hope you have a lovely Christmas and here’s to your next chapter.”
While Brew’s next chapter is yet to be determined, Bath stalwart Nathan Catt will continue his journey with the club after being given an Academy
Pathway Coach role in the club’s academy.
Speaking to the club’s website, Catt said: “It’s a hugely exciting opportunity.
“I am able to give back some of my knowledge of the game to these young men coming through the ranks at the club.
“I am hugely excited to be able to continue my development with Bath Rugby and I couldn’t think of a more fitting way than to be able to coach our young players and help aid, and develop their games.”
Academy manager Craig Lilley said: “To have a group of people who have been on a journey together as players and transitioned as staff at the club is really special.
“We all have a deep emotional attachment to Bath Rugby and a passion to maximise player development by providing our young men with high quality experiences and relationships.
“As a club, we are committed to providing opportunity and resource to support coaches within our region to develop and to fulfil their potential, and Nathan is another example of that. We will provide Nathan with high challenge and support in his new exciting journey to ensure he maximises his potential.
“Catty is genuinely a Bath man through and through and anyone who has played with him or worked with him knows that he never gives anything less than 100 per cent.
“His ability to transition as a player to a coach has been impressive. Not only does he bring an enormous amount of detail at set piece and defence, he knows how to get the best out of people.”
BATH Rugby’s Boxing Day fixture against London Irish in the Gallagher Premiership has been cancelled following an outbreak of Coronavirus within the Irish camp.
Bath were unable to fulfil their Heineken Cup fixture last weekend at La Rochelle after isolating following their opening defeat to Scarlets.