England Rugby Sevens international John Brake joins Scotch Old Collegians

A former England rugby international player has joined one of the Adelaide Footy League’s oldest clubs and has teammates and coaches thoroughly impressed.

A 10-year England Rugby Sevens international player has made a move to South Australia, and Aussie rules football.

After arriving in SA in December, 33-year-old John Brake showed up to a Scotch Old Collegians training and has surprised teammates and coaches alike.

“I have family who went to Scotch and my sister is also dating one of the players, so I decided to head to training about eight weeks ago and it’s just gone from there,” Brake said.

“It’s a phenomenal game, I’ve been overwhelmed by how enjoyable it is.”

England Rugby Sevens international John Brake has joined Scotch Old Collegians and has surprised with his fast learning and physical skills. Picture: Rebecca Hudson Photography

Brake, who played in a World Cup, two Commonwealth Games and 41 World Series as a scrum-half for England, has been a fast learner at Scotch, and loved the physicality of the Australian code.

He said there had been multiple challenges in learning the game so far.

“Pre-season was pretty hot, coming from England, and it’s been tough to remember names and especially nicknames,” Brake said.

“Footy is non-stop, you’re always looking over your shoulder and it’s really intense.

“The pinpoint accuracy of kicking on the move has really impressed me too, but there’s also a huge amount of crossover with rugby and I love the ruggedness, that physical aspect, I’m probably a bit of a nuisance for opposition.”

Brake has taken to footy’s physical aspect and is making his mark at Scotch just two months in. Picture: Supplied

Brake’s love for the physical aspect of footy has been on full display at Scotch training and trial games.

Playing predominantly in a midfield and half-forward role, he thoroughly impressed at the club’s recent trial.

“He doesn’t know what he’s doing sometimes in terms of rules but he listens intently and does everything to instruction and is learning fast,” coach Will James said.

“He was on fire in our trial over the weekend, kicked a long-range goal with a drop-kick method and he tackles like a man possessed.

“He’s fast becoming an icon at Scotch.”

Scotch OC’s Louis Heard flies high against Henley during the 2021 season. The club was relegated to division three, but may have received a big list boost in John Brake as it attempts to gain promotion. Picture: Dean Martin

Brake admitted he had found adjusting to the rules and positions tough, but said the staff and players at the club had been more than helpful.

“I’ve definitely given away more than a few penalties say for accidentally legging a guy or not knowing where to be on the mark but I’m learning the boundaries,” he said.

“It’s all an education and the boys and staff are so supportive and teach me throughout trainings and games. They don’t over-complicate it either.”

While Brake has only just joined the club, he has become a team favourite.

He has not ruled out making the A Grade division three side for 2022.

“My main aspiration is definitely to build my way up into the A Grade team,” Brake said.

“I want to compete in the big games where it matters, and if I wasn’t aspiring to that I’m probably in the wrong place.

“There’s a fight left in the dog yet.”