The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Former Scotland captain retires to take up academy position at Saracens
Rugby: Brown hangs up boots to help others ‘live the dream’
Former Scotland captain Kelly Brown has announced he will retire at the end of the season to take up a role with Saracens’ academy.
Brown won 64 caps and led his country 14 times, making his last appearance in 2014, and has enjoyed a successful career at Allianz Park since his arrival from Glasgow in 2010.
The 34-year-old has won three Aviva Premiership titles and the Champions Cup, but has decided it is time to hang up his boots.
“I have played for four clubs who I care deeply about and to have been able to captain my country is an honour that I’ll always cherish,” Brown said.
“I’ve been lucky to have been able to live my dream for 13 years and now I’m privileged to be able to help others do the same.”
Brown has made 154 appearances for Saracens and director of rugby Mark McCall paid tribute to a player who has also operated at lock.
“Kelly has made an enormous contribution in his seven years with us,” McCall said.
“On the field, Kelly has been unbelievably consistent in setting a superb example to our younger players, constantly giving everything he had.
“Off the field, he is one of the most selfless people you’ll ever meet, always putting the team first.”
Former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips also announced he will retire at the end of the season.
A double Wales Grand Slam winner, Phillips, who plays for Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership, earned 94 caps for his country and played in five Tests for the Lions.