Ex-England full-back Brown to retire at end of season

At the end of the season, former England full-back Mike Brown has made the announcement and is making a final request to the game’s administrators.

The 39-year-old will close the chapter of his 20-year career, which saw him win 72 caps for his country.

He also appeared in 430 games for the Tigers, Newcastle Falcons, and Harlequins, where he began his professional career in 2005, where he won two Premiership titles and the European Challenge Cup.

Brown made a sharp plea to those who run the game in a farewell address on the Leicester club website.

“We have a responsibility to protect and grow this incredible game, so that future generations can experience everything it has to offer,” I said.

He also urged other influental figures in the sport to contribute to changing the game’s future, saying: “I urge you to continue to help change the negative narrative around rugby. I’m with you.”

Let’s discuss the incredible action, big hits, electric tries, incredible skill, fierce rivalries, and amazing characters who make our game unique.

Brown, who has made eight tries in 32 appearances for Leicester so far this season, did not specify what would come next but said that he was looking forward to “a new chapter filled with energy, purpose, and passion for what’s next.”

He now ranks fourth on the all-time list, just behind Richard Wigglesworth, Danny Care, who played his final game on Sunday, and Alex Goode, with 280 Premiership appearances.

He said, “There have been unforgettable highs – those at Twickenham, hard-fought victories with Harlequins, the honor of pulling on England shirt, and representing the history and tradition of Tigers of Leicester.”

“And there have also been difficulties, which have deeply affected me.