Brewer now also a 'kilted Kiwi'
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:52
Kilted Kiwi: New Scotland forwards coach Mike Brewer
Scotland coach Frank Hadden has revealed two new recruits to his backroom staff. Former All Black captain Mike Brewer joins as national forwards coach and Graham Steadman becomes national defence coach, after an illustrious playing and coaching career in both Rugby League and Rugby Union.
Brewer becomes the latest in a long line of 'kilted Kiwis' - which also includes the Leslie brothers Martin and John (their father Andy captained the All Blacks), Gordon Simpson, Brendan Laney, Glenn Metcalfe and Sean Lineen (his father Terry Lineen is a former All Black centre).
Hadden said he was "absolutely delighted" with the quality of the additional staff they have appointed to the national team and management.
"To secure the services of the former All Blacks captain, Mike Brewer, is a boost," Hadden said.
"He is now a very experienced coach having worked in club rugby in Ireland, England and Italy before becoming forwards coach for Leinster.
"Anyone who knows rugby will have been impressed by the progress Leinster, the reigning Magners League champions, have made up front during his three years in that role.
"Graham Steadman is among the most experienced defence coaches in the world having now spent five years in that position in Rugby Union with firstly Munster and then Ireland. That followed his 21-year career as an international player and coach in Rugby League."
Brewer said: "I'm looking forward to working with Frank and the other coaches. Scotland have a young team, with a great work ethic and players who are very keen to learn. I think they have the potential to develop into a really good international side in the next three to four years."
Steadman, who will also undertake defence coaching with the Edinburgh pro-team, said: "I have been an admirer of Scotland and the work that Alan Tait has undertaken in the last few seasons. I look forward to being part of Frank's coaching team and to getting the players trust and buy-in to the defensive systems I'll look to put in place. The experience I've gleaned from involvement in both union and league will hold me in good stead.
"I'll also look forward to working alongside Andy Robinson and the coaching team with Edinburgh, it gives me a great opportunity to work with those players and also monitor the performances of Scottish qualified players in the Magners League and Heineken Cup."
The duo will play a key role in preparing the Scotland squad for the November Tests.
Scotland face New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday November 8, South Africa at Murrayfield on November 15 and Canada at Pittodrie, Aberdeen, on November 22.
