Rugby: Brown makes encore for Highlanders

Tony Brown has been playing for Japanese side Sanyo. Photo / Getty Images

Tony Brown admits his playing career is now measured in games rather than seasons, but he still believes he can contribute to the Highlanders.

Brown, 36, landed in Johannesburg earlier this week, linking up with the Highlanders as they prepare for the match against the Bulls in Pretoria tomorrow.

The squad has changed since he last wore the Highlanders jersey in 2004 - only Jimmy Cowan, Jason Rutledge, Matt Saunders and Tom Donnelly will be familiar faces.

Brown was contacted by the Highlanders after first five-eighths Colin Slade suffered a jaw injury and Lima Sopoaga was injured last week.

"Luckily our season has just finished in Japan so I was able to come and join the squad and help out ..."

He had a slight hamstring niggle and did not play in the All Japan league final, where his Sanyo side lost 37-20 to Suntory last Sunday.

Brown has played 83 games for the Highlanders and was a member of the inaugural Super 12 side in 1996.

He was excited by the Highlanders two wins of the 2011 campaign.

"I have been really impressed by the fact, not only that they are winning, but the attitude they are showing. That attitude is the hardest thing to get in rugby."

Brown will be a technical assistant to the Otago team in the ITM Cup, and will then return to Japan to help coach Sanyo.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES