Aled Brew. Try machine. Rodney Parade legend.
Ask any fan at the home of Dragons RFC who their favourite player of all-time is and many will immediately mention Aled Brew.
The younger brother of fellow Welsh international Nathan, Aled’s journey in rugby started in Cardiff. Born to a Welsh mother and Ghanaian father, and raised a Welsh language speaker, Aled played his way through the semi-professional ranks with Neath and Swansea before signed for the Ospreys at 17-years-old.
Brew found himself moved out to the Dragons on loan for the 2006/07 season, where he would be an immediate success as he scored 65 points (13 tries) in 28 appearances.
He returned to the Ospreys for the 2007-08 season but with the likes of Shane Williams ahead of him in the pecking order, he struggled to make an impact.
However, he had already played for Wales by this point having taken his international bow against Ireland in the 2007 Six Nations.
Brew opted to join Cardiff Blues in May 2008 but made just one appearance before being loaned to Pontypridd and then making a return to Dragons for the 2009/10 season. His form, though, proved to be enough of a success to force his way back into the national reckoning once again.
After missing out on the 2011 Six Nations, Brew earned a cap against the Barbarians and was subsequently named in Warren Gatland's 30-man squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
In February 2012 he signed for French club Biarritz before making a third and final return to Dragons in 2014.
He would end his time at Rodney Parade in 2016 with an incredible 43 tries in 120 games. He remains top of the try scoring charts at the club, ahead of Hallam Amos (36 tries) and current wing Ashton Hewitt (34 tries).
Brew spent four seasons with Bath and a short-term deal at Scarlets – ensuring he had played for all four regions - before retiring in December 2020.
