If you exclude Leinster’s recent domination in the Heineken Cup, few Irish players can claim to have played in three finals. It is often forgotten that one of those is Trevor Brennan.
By Declan Whooley
While Jonny Sexton has bucked the recent trend and decided to try his lot in France, Leixlip native Brennan made the decision to up sticks in 2002 and while his international career suffered greatly, he reaped his rewards with success in Europe’s premier competition.
Brennan played both second row and flanker and after a period with Bective Rangers he turned out for St. Mary’s. After breaking into the Leinster squad in 1996, the abrasive forward was beginning to make a name for himself. His international debut arrived in 1998 against South Africa and two years later he captained his club to AIL League glory.
His style of play was based on a physical presence, clearly evident during the 1999 World Cup where this tough guy reputation was cemented while his other qualities were often overlooked. His clash with Australian number eight Toutai Kefu, himself no shrinking violet, grabbed the headlines, especially given that two Aussies held Brennan’s arms back during the episode.
Getting to know the Aussies in 1999
His style did not always endear him to the Irish selectors and when Toulouse made an offer to bring him to France in 2002, the Leinster man made the decision to go to pastures new. His international career ended with just 13 caps and Brennan was one of a number of exiles who paid a price for leaving these shores in the early days of the professional era.
Brennan readily admits that the move to France was life-changing, both off and on the field. He instantly became a crowd favourite with the home fans for his all-action displays and the change in environment saw other attributes in his game improve further, not surprising given the calibre of players he was surrounded by. He quickly became an integral part of Guy Noves’ side as their domination in Europe was making each player a household name.
The first piece of European silverware in 2003
In Brennan’s first season in France, Toulouse claimed the Heineken Cup by defeating Perpignan at Lansdowne Road, all the more fitting for the former Leinster man. He was also part of the sides that reached the following two finals, losing to Wasps in 2004 before going one better the following season by defeating Stade Francais.
Unfortunately for Brennan, the competition which had reinvigorated his career was also to prove his downfall. In January 2007, the French side hosted Ulster at the Stade Ernest Wallon and the Irishman assaulted an Ulster fan after abusive comments were thrown in his direction.
The ERC fined Brennan £17,000 and ordered him to pay £3,000 in damages to the fan, but most importantly, banned him for life from playing rugby. An appeal later in the year reduced this to a five-year ban, which is up this year. Aged 34 at the time, Brennan announced his retirement, though he has said on occasions that he would consider coming back, though it is highly unlikely that it will be at the very top level.
Brennan became involved in media work soon after and his book, Heart and Soul, won the William Hill Sports Book of the year in 2007. He runs a successful bar in Toulouse and also owns a rugby tour operations company, Trevor Brennan Rugby Tours.
A keen sportsman, Brennan has also worked with the Ireland International Rules team set-up during the 2008 series.
One of Ireland’s most successful rugby players to forge a career on foreign shores, more so than perhaps most, the Heineken Cup is a competition that will have mixed emotions for Brennan. The highest of highs, but certainly the lowest of the lows.
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