mens
club rugby
England full-back Mike Brown has been appointed 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 (Tier 4) club.
He will continue in his current role until the start of the year, before taking up his new challenge in the Midlands, where he will oversee the strategic direction and commercial growth of men’s and women’s rugby.
Reporting to Director of Sport, Lou Gear, he will shape strategy for BUCS, the National League and PWR competition, building on Loughborough’s women’s rugby partnership with Northampton Saints.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the University as Director of Rugby,” said Brown, who won 72 England he played in a remarkable 21-year professional career.
“Loughborough’s reputation for sporting excellence is second to none, so it is a huge privilege to join such an iconic sporting institution. I have always been drawn to environments with high ambitions, high standards and a genuine desire to constantly improve, and Loughborough represents all of that.
“This is a great opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the men’s and women’s rugby programs. I look forward to meeting 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.”
Lou Gear, Loughborough’s sporting director, welcomed the appointment: “This is an excellent appointment for Loughborough and reflects the scale of our ambitions – from increasing participation in rugby to striving for excellence on the competitive stage in both the men’s and women’s games.
“Mike brings outstanding professional experience from his long playing career, leadership experience at Esher and a clear strategic vision to take our rugby program forward. We look forward to welcoming him to the team.”