Last weekend he was playing for Newport at Bedwas, this week he returns to the regional side to take on European champions Toulouse but Dragons wing Nathan Brew is chomping at the bit to get back into the shirt and run out for the Men of Gwent.
“It’s been really frustrating for me – being out with injury,” he said. “In the pre-season friendly against the Cornish Pirates, someone tackled me from behind and someone else landed on my foot causing a tear to the ligament running down the middle of my foot. I aggravated it in the Ospreys game which set me back a few weeks, so I’ve tried to relax and take my time getting back to fitness to make sure everything was right - but it’s totally healed now.
“It was bittersweet at the start for the season; I was probably looking to start opposite Aled on the wing because Will Harries was out. Being out meant that spot went to Adam Hughes – but it was great to see how he stepped up and totally seized the opportunity.”
And coming off the back of a great performance last weekend in the Premiership, Nathan’s keen to take on the best in Europe.
“It was great to get the hat trick last weekend, although it’s true that I pretty much just had to fall over the line for one of the tries! I’ve been picking up game time in the Premiership but I knew that this was a possible comeback game for me. It’s obviously a bit daunting playing against Toulouse but every player always wants to play against the best.”
Bringing back the Brew brothers dynamic to the regional side for the first time since 2007 is something Nathan is definitely looking forward to.
“It’s been great to get back to playing alongside Aled, although he’s now the senior player rather than me so it’s been a bit of adjustment – him being able to boss his big brother around!
As for his brother’s hopes for a spot in the Welsh squad for the Six Nations, Nathan is confident that Aled has what it takes.
“He was a bit unlucky in the autumn, but he’s a great player and obviously he’s a few years younger than me so I reckon he’s got a good shout at more Welsh caps. It’s a bit galling as he’s already a few ahead of me – we’re pretty competitive between us, but it’s always good natured!"
Following his appearance for Wales against Romania back in 2003, Nathan still aspires to get to the top of the Welsh game.
“Like anyone, I have aspirations of getting back into the Wales team. Nobody wants to be a one-cap wonder!
Nathan left the Dragons in 2007 and after a stint at the Scarlets, spent a year in the Premiership with Neath before returning to Gwent.
“Although things didn’t really work out at the Scarlets, I did feel that I’d been at the Dragons for several years and was ready for a new challenge.
“I had a couple of options for going over to France after I finished at the Scarlets, but I felt that what my game needed was to get back to basics and I was able to get that in Neath. I always wanted to be back playing professional rugby so of course when the Dragons came knocking I didn’t hesitate. It’s a great region and team to play for and although I only had a one-year contract to start with I’m keen to stay!”
