Former England full-back Mike Brown headhunted for new coaching role

England’s most-capped full-back Mike Brown has been appointed as the Director of Rugby at Loughborough University, with his new role taking effect from January 2027.

Harlequins legend Brown, 41, has spent the last 10 months as Esher RFC’s Sporting Director, leading the first XV, as well as being responsible for the other senior teams at the National 2 East (level 4) club.

He will continue in his present role until the turn of the year, before taking on his new challenge in the Midlands, which will see him oversee the strategic direction and commercial growth of men’s and women’s rugby.

Reporting to the Director of Sport, Lou Gear, he will shape strategy across BUCS, the National League and PWR competition, building on Loughborough’s women’s rugby partnership with Northampton Saints.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the University as Director of Rugby,” said Brown, who won 72 England caps in an outstanding 21-year pro playing career.

“Loughborough’s reputation for sporting excellence is unrivalled, so it is a huge privilege to be joining such an iconic sporting institution. I’ve always been drawn to environments with big ambition, high standards and a genuine desire to keep improving, and Loughborough represents all of that.

“This is a brilliant opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the rugby programme across both the men’s and women’s game. I’m looking forward to getting to know the players, coaches and staff, understanding what already makes the environment so special, and then working together to build something we can all be proud of, both through the results we achieve and the people we help develop. I can’t wait to get started.”

Lou Gear, Loughborough’s Director of Sport, welcomed the appointment: “This is an excellent appointment for Loughborough and reflects the scale of our ambition – from growing participation in rugby to pursuing excellence on the competitive stage across both the men’s and women’s games.

“Mike brings outstanding professional experience from his longstanding playing career, the experience of leadership at Esher and a clear strategic vision for driving our rugby programme forward. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the team.”