Kelly Brown adopts hands-on captain role

By DAVID FERGUSON
Published on 23/02/2013 02:20

KELLY Brown admits he is not the type of Scotland captain to issue a rousing team talk to his colleagues – but insists he will do his talking on the pitch against Ireland tomorrow.

The Saracens flanker finally registered his first win since taking over the captaincy in this month’s 34-10 RBS Six Nations success against Italy. Brown has grown into the role and he revealed he has sought advice from former Scotland captains like Jason White and Gary Armstrong, as well as England’s Steve Borthwick and South African World Cup-winning captain John Smit. Their input was crucial to helping the 30-year-old – who suffers from a speech impediment – form his own style of leadership based on deeds, rather than great oratory.

Brown, who will lead out the team for the sixth time against Ireland tomorrow, said: “I enjoy the role. Over the years I’ve been a senior player and it was a huge honour to be asked to take the captaincy.

“It didn’t start how I would have liked but I am enjoying it and very proud to be captain of this team. We now need to make sure we make the nation proud on Sunday.”

Brown added: “Captaincy for me is about making sure I am playing well. It’s about concentrating on my own game, as opposed to giving all these great speeches. I’ve been trying to lead by example. I’ve been led by some great captains and the best ones did just that.”