Leon Brown – A player who gave everything to the cause

“To pull wild mountain thyme, all around the bloomin’ heather.”

The lyrics of this age-old Scottish stanza give you a real glimpse into the beauty this world has to offer.

Many wonders make you stop and sincerely appreciate where you are.

Few sights compare to the Principality Stadium in full voice, with over 70,000 fans singing the anthem in unison, a sea of red rising to lift their team with every word.

Many players have achieved their dreams and represented Wales. Leon Brown stands out as a quietly consistent presence in Welsh rugby, underrated by many and forced to step away from the game far earlier than he should have.

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Early Stages

Like many children in South Wales, Newport-born Brown played rugby. His initial rugby development can be found at St Joseph’s RC High School and St Joseph’s RFC.

School and mini-rugby are essential to a player’s development because they instil rugby into a young athlete’s soul.

Even at a young age, his talent stood out, leading him into the ranks of the Dragons Academy, where his journey truly began.

Brown progressed through the system and even appeared for Cross Keys RFC.

Cross Keys is a historic Welsh club with a rich and endearing history in the sport. It is based in a village near Newport and has become a true rugby force.

This club is built on resilience and loyalty; its supporters have been unwavering through the decades, from surviving financial hardship in the 20th century to braving the harshest elements.

The heart of the club has always endured. Brown, a symbol of resilience, represented the iconic club, following in the footsteps of Welsh legend Taulupe Faletau.

The Premiership is competitive, offering valuable experience against top teams in Welsh rugby. This laid the foundation for his arrival on the professional stage in 2016.

Emerging as a sensational talent, Brown said of Cross Keys: “I loved my time at Keys. It was my first taste of senior rugby, and I couldn’t have picked a better group to experience it with. It was a great stepping stone on my journey to professional rugby.”

For Club

He was renowned for his power at the scrum and relentless engine around the field. Brown’s rise felt inevitable, and it was only a matter of time before the professional game came calling.

2016 was when the 28-year-old burst onto the scene, marking the start of a relationship that would be very fruitful for both parties.

Loyalty is a word that comes to mind when thinking about that relationship, as Brown was a one-club man, and Rodney Parade was always his home.

Only a year after his debut, he signed his first long-term contract, with the team showing his importance to the side.

Throughout the years, he established himself as a regular starter. It was the 2019–20 season when Brown truly came into his own, earning a place in the Pro12 Dream Team.

The prop became only the second Dragon to do so, a testament to his rising class and power. Brown’s impact on the Dragons was significant, and his journey with the team was a source of pride for all who watched him play.

For Country

“Running out at the stadium is unreal — there’s no feeling like it, and there never will be again.”

Rodney Parade wasn’t the only stage where Brown made an impact; in 2017, he made his debut for Wales. As with the Dragons, he worked through the age grades until getting the call-up for the senior side.

Brown’s dedication to the game was unwavering, and he proved himself on the international stage. The Welsh international came off the bench against Australia and started against Georgia the following week.

He was a part of the 2021 squad that won the Six Nations Championship, coming off the bench in every encounter.

Although Brown featured in squads that toured places like Argentina, his international journey was constantly disrupted by injuries, casting a shadow of ‘what could have been’ over his time in a Welsh jersey.

As he entered his prime years, those who watched him play knew he was ready to make a real impact for club and country.

Although a neck injury brought his playing days to an early close, Brown steps away from the game with pride and respect from all, respected by his teammates, admired by fans, and remembered as a player who played with unwavering commitment.

I asked what his advice to young players was. His response tells you everything you need to know about his approach to the game. “My advice to any young player: just enjoy it, play with a smile on your face, and the rest will follow.”

“Rugby means enjoyment — a passion, a sport.”

It was a game Brown gave everything to, and a career defined by grit, loyalty and unwavering determination. A legacy built not on headlines, but heart.

By Pete Ryan