Scotland v France
Kelly Brown did not consider quitting Test rugby
ESPN Staff
March 6, 2014
Kelly Brown was dropped by Scott Johnson for rounds two and three of the Six Nations © PA Photos
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Scotland captain Kelly Brown has dismissed notions he considered quitting international rugby after he was dropped by coach Scott Johnson.

After being named skipper for the first match against Ireland, Brown was then dropped for their Tests against England and Italy with Chris Fusaro preferred at openside. Brown was told to go and work on areas of his game by Johnson; it was a selection call that received criticism from around the Scottish game.

But Brown is now back in the side for Saturday's match against France and when asked if he considered retiring from national duty, he said: "No - it's as simple as that. Playing for Scotland is something I used to dream of as a child and it's a very, very special honour.

"I know that in professional sport, the road is not always smooth and so I just saw it as one more challenge that I was looking forward to overcoming."

Brown has played three matches for Saracens after being dropped by Johnson and is ready to step up for Scotland at Test level.

"There is no doubt I was very disappointed because I absolutely love playing for Scotland and it is something I would never take for granted," he said. "But it is fantastic to be back in the side.

"Scott has been very open and honest with me the whole way through and we've had good chats. That's not to say we always agree but I think as long as we're both open and honest with each other then that's a good thing.

"I've taken what he said on-board and I've been working on it and I feel my form at Saracens over the last month has been pretty good."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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