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Mike Brown is learning the art of diplomacy, but he remains a straight-talker at heart. That much was apparent when the veteran full back was asked about a law change announced by World Rugby earlier this week.
The global governing body have given male players the same right as their female counterparts to wear protective tights or leggings during matches, to guard against burns on artificial pitches.
Brown is set to make his home debut for Newcastle against Bristol on the synthetic surface at Kingston Park on Saturday, but he was adamant that his legs will be bare below his shorts. ‘I will not be wearing leggings — absolutely not,’ he said, emphatically.
Mike Brown (right) says he will not be wearing tights or leggings out on the pitch
Men were not permitted to wear leggings during matches - but World Rugby altered its laws
But what about his Falcons team-mates? ‘Can you imagine the northern guys here wearing leggings?’ he said, incredulous. ‘It has not even been spoken about. You can’t be wearing leggings — surely not. Maybe I’m old-school but I won’t be wearing them and I don’t imagine many of the lads here doing that. Maybe Radders (Adam Radwan) will wear some!’
Since his summer move to Tyneside from Harlequins, Brown has made just one appearance for his new club; last weekend against Saracens. It was a try-scoring debut, which also happened to be on an artificial pitch in Barnet.
The straight-talking streak was evident again as Brown considered the prospect of a first outing at Kingston Park for his new club. Turning to the Newcastle media officer, he asked: ‘Do I have to say I like the surface?! If I am honest I don’t really like the surface, but it is what it is.
‘Clubs have it for certain reasons including maintenance of the pitch and the community side, which I
