By Duncan Mackay

England rugby star Mike Brown is to work with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby as an ambassador ©Getty ImagesJanuary 17 - Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) has announced Harlequins and England's Mike Brown as its first ambassador. 


Brown, who has 21 England caps and was voted Player of the Series Award in the recent autumn internationals, will take on a role that continues the rugby links GBWR has made recently - partnering with the Rugby Football Union and with Harlequins, Saracens, Gloucester, Leicester and Woodbridge rugby clubs - involving him in the governing body's military programme, supported and funded by Help for Heroes.

"I enjoy playing rugby because it is physical and I enjoy wheelchair rugby for the same reason," said Brown.

"The sound they make with the hits they put in is unbelievable.  

"It is a fast-paced, high-action game and the physicality and skill they show with the ball is brilliant.  

"I look forward to my new role and hope I will get a chance to join them for a game."

British wheelchair rugby internationals Alan Ash (left)and Kylie Grimes are joined by Mike Brown ©GBWRBritish wheelchair rugby internationals Alan Ash (left)and Kylie Grimes are joined by new ambassador Mike Brown ©GBWR

David Pond, GBWR's chief executive, welcomed Brown's appointment. 

"I'm delighted that we have the support of Mike for this initiative," he said.  

"We have been working closely with the charity Help for Heroes and Battle Back to provide opportunities for wounded and injured service men and women to try wheelchair rugby for the first time.

"The programme started with a series of sessions at Headley Court and I'm pleased it is to be part of the rehabilitation programme rolled out to support Help the Heroes run Recovery Centres at Colchester, Tidworth, Catterick and Plymouth."

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