Bath chief Blackadder is full of praise for his special Brew

HE emerged from the Welsh rugby wilderness to become a shining star in the Aviva Premiership.

The rise and rise of nine-times capped three-quarter Aled Brew can no more be illustrated than before joining Bath in September 2016, the 31-year-old was having a bit part role in the Principality Premiership at Bedwas.

His Dragons career was going nowhere, and now 15 months on, Brew was giving French heavyweights Toulon a taste of his newfound form in a tense 24-20 Champions Cup defeat against the three-times kings of Europe at the Stade Felix Mayol.

Brew made four clean breaks, beat five defenders and, after handing off Fijian powerhouse Josua Tuisova, laid on a try for Lions star Anthony Watson with an offload.

And as the West Country giants prepare for the return clash with Toulon at The Rec this weekend, Bath’s director of rugby Todd Blackadder has revealed just how keen he is to see Brew extend his stay across the Severn.

Initially Cardiff-born Brew signed in September 2016 on a short-term deal but a couple of months later extended his stay until the summer of 2018.

Now being one of the most in-form backs in Blackadder’s starstudded squad, the Kiwi director of rugby has explained why he has warmed to the winger so much.

And of the likelihood of a new deal, he told the Bath Chronicle: “Absolutely. He’s definitely on the radar. “I like everything about the way Aled plays. “Because he’s the type of player who puts himself out there, there will always be little mistakes. But if you look at his work in the air, his work on the ground, his chase, his tackle, what can’t you love about Aled? “He’s been unbelievable. He’s like an energiser and he’s well and truly loved within the squad. He’s a real character and brings a lot of laughter.”

On Saturday in Toulon, Watson said he was not surprised Brew earned himself a place in the squad after his initial trial.

“I remember when Aled first came in, he always had pretty good footwork,” recalled the England and Lions back. “To be able to beat someone like Tuisova in that sort of space, like Aled did, is world class.

“It was pretty impressive but he does that sort of stuff in training. Aled also does everything with aggression.”