Stephen Brett
Stephen Brett (born 23 November 1985) is a New Zealand rugby union former player. He is the head coach for Rugby ATL in Major League Rugby (MLR).[1]
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| Date of birth | 23 November 1985 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Waiouru, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 85 kg (13 st 5 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Christchurch Boys' High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative(s) | Victor Simpson (stepfather) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playing career
Brett was a versatile back whose preferred position was first five-eighth, although he could also play second five-eighth and fullback. He is the stepson of former Canterbury and New Zealand centre Victor Simpson.[2] He worked on improving his goal kicking and defensive skills, which led some to suggest Brett's primary weakness is in his defence, thus impeding his progress to higher levels.[3][4]
Super 14
Brett made his Super Rugby debut in 2006 for the Crusaders but had to wait until the following season to make his mark. With regular first-five Daniel Carter being unavailable for much of the season due to the World Cup conditioning program, Brett seized his chance in the number 10 jersey and finished 2007 as the Crusader's top scorer with 90 points. He continued his good form into the 2008 competition, scoring a try and picking up the Man of the Match award in the Crusaders brilliant 54–19 victory over reigning champions the Bulls in Pretoria,[5] before breaking his collarbone in a 55–7 win against the Cheetahs; the injury sidelined Brett for around six weeks.[6] He was signed by the Blues for the 2010 and 2011 seasons,[7]
Japan and France
On 29 July 2011, Brett left New Zealand to join Japanese club Toyota Verblitz in the Top League on a two-year contract.[8]
On 22 April 2013, Brett left Japan to sign for Bayonne in the French Top 14 from the start of the 2013–14 season.[9] On 17 April 2014, Brett left Bayonne as he signed for another French side, Lyon in the Top 14 on a two-year contract from the 2014–15 season.[10]
Coaching
Brett then transferred his rugby skills into coaching, serving as an Assistant Coach to the now defunct Colorado Raptors and is now the current Head Coach for Rugby ATL in the Major League Rugby competition in the USA.
References
- "Stephen Brett promoted to Head Coach of Rugby ATL". 27 January 2022.
- Gray, Wynne (21 May 2008). "Rugby: Poster boy dismisses any talk of All Black jersey". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Barclay, Chris (1 February 2007). "Rugby: Brett stepping out of the shadows". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 1 February 2007.
- "How good is Stephen Brett?". Sportal Forums. Archived from the original on 5 May 2009. Retrieved 27 March 2008.
- "Bulls collapse at home". Planet-Rugby.com. 22 February 2008. Archived from the original on 29 March 2008. Retrieved 27 March 2008.
- "Brett faces six weeks with 'significant' injury". rugbyheaven07.com.au. 17 March 2008. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 27 March 2008.
- Johnstone, Duncan (11 November 2009). "Super 14 squads name for 2010". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 12 November 2009.
- "Stephen Brett join Toyota Verblitz in Japan". Stuff.co.nz. 29 July 2011.
- "Stephen Brett spearheads into Bayonne France". Sky Sports. 22 April 2013.
- "Lyon sign Bayonne fly-half Stephen Brett from next season". Planet Rugby. 17 April 2014. Archived from the original on 30 July 2014.