Brewer joins Blackrock

MIKE BREWER, the All Blacks' back row forward, who has recently taken up residence in Dublin, has joined Blackrock College.

Brewer, 31, captained the All Blacks in Tour matches, and has won 30 caps in a international career that started in 1986. However, injury saw him miss the 1987 World Cup, which New Zealand won, and also cost him his place in the 1991 World Cup squad. It had been anticipated that he would captain the All Blacks in that competition.

He was out of international rugby for two years - 1993 and 1994 but returned last year and played in four matches in the World Cup against Ireland and Wales in the group matches, against England in the semi final and against South Africa in the final.

Brewer will combine playing and coaching duties with Blackrock and he is likely to captain the side next season. He will also coach the Blackrock youth team. He will team up with another New Zealander, back row forward Dean Oswald, in the Blackrock side. Equally adept on the flank or at number eight, Brewer captained the Otago team that won the New Zealand championship in 1991. It is anticipated that he will be with Blackrock for at least three years.