12:40pm Friday 3rd September 2010
By Simon Mail
Scotland international Kelly Brown admits he moved south of the border to take his game to the next level.
The muscular back row forward ended six years with the Glasgow Warriors this summer as he made the switch from the Magners League to the Premiership and he cannot wait for his competitive debut.
Brown said: "I think there were a couple of things which attracted me here.
"Firstly I wanted a crack at the Premiership. I've played six seasons in the Magners League which I know inside out. I felt that coming down to England would be a good challenge for me and help take me on to that next level.
"I came down and met Edward Griffiths [chief executive] and Brendan Venter and I was very impressed with what they were saying and what all the coaches were saying about the plan for Saracens. Watching some of the rugby they played last season was fantastic and something I really wanted to be part of.
"I've got so many good friends at Glasgow and friends and family in Scotland. I've never lived outside Scotland but for me it was just a chance to really challenge myself and push on to that next level.
"I played six seasons in Scotland and felt a change of environment could really push me on so that's why I came down here. I've enjoyed it so far and I'm sure that will continue."
Brown enjoyed rave reviews for Scotland last season as one of their key players during the Six Nations.
The 28-year-old formed a formidable partnership with former club team-mates John Barclay and Jonnie Beattie in the back row and he is convinced their experience of playing together was crucial.
"I think what helped was that both lads with Scotland in the back row, known as the killer bees, dovetailed very well together," he said. "All three of us had strong seasons and we can play off each other because we played together so many times so it was a great season. Glasgow got to the play-offs and sadly lost in the semi-finals but it was great to get there.
"During the Six Nations I felt we played some really good rugby. At times, the results didn't go how we wanted them to until the Ireland game but to win the Test series in Argentina was a huge step forward for Scottish rugby and for the national team."
The dynamic forward has locked horns with Saracens and England skipper Steve Borthwick on the international stage and admits his experience is invaluable.
Borthwick will miss the first couple of weeks with a torn quad muscle and injuries at the end of last season saw him left out of the England squad but Brown is convinced it is only a matter of time before he regains his spot for the national team.
The Scot said: "It's hard for me to say, I'm not an England selector, but Steve is a world-class player whose had a bad run of injuries.
"He's great to be around and very knowledgeable. I've been learning things off him already and I'm sure when he's back to full fitness and playing as he can I'm sure he can force his way back in."
Once Brown knew he was joining the Men in Black he started following their progress and was instantly impressed by their end-of-season surge.
He added: "As soon as I knew I was coming here I watched every game that was on Sky and as I say it was fantastic to watch. Unfortunately, we fell at the final hurdle but that will drive us on for what I'm sure will be a successful season."
Brown has plenty of experience in the Heineken Cup with the Warriors and he hopes it can assist his new club as they return to the competition after missing out during the last couple of years.
"It's a hugely exciting competition," said Brown. "The Premiership is hugely exciting as well but there is something about stepping up to Europe.
"It's definitely a step up and when you look at our pool, it's a very tough one but we've got a great squad so there's absolutely no reason why we can't get through that pool and see what happens from that.
"Saying that, it's very much a case of taking one game at a time and I'm particularly looking forward to the match with Leinster at Wembley which will be an incredible experience. Wembley is an iconic stadium and to get the chance to play there is one I'm very much looking forward to."
Venter's passion occasionally landed him in hot water last season but Brown has already been impressed by the straight-talking South African. He was quick to emphasise the faith Venter has in the players and the impact this has on team morale.
"Brendan puts his heart on his sleeve but the biggest compliment you can give to a coach is he backs his players 100 per cent," said Brown.
"As long as you go out there and try your hardest that's all he wants, so it's absolutely fantastic to have a coach that really believes in us as players and as a team.
"He tells you exactly what he expects from you and as long as you do that then he is happy."
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