Mike Marchant, Peter Symonds College's head of rugby, looks back at his time coaching England Rugby World Cup full-back Mike Brown.

Mike Marchant, the college’s long-serving head of rugby, was the man responsible for encouraging the Southampton-born star to convert to playing at full-back, the position where he has become one of the best on the planet.

Brown has been capped 38 times for England, is a key player for Harlequins and has admitted that he owes much to Peter Symonds and Marchant for their influence on his career.

The 30-year-old will start for England tomorrow in the hosts’ World Cup curtain raiser at Twickenham against Fiji in Poole A, fulfilling his dream of playing on the world's stage.

The fiercely passionate and professional coach, Marchant, can remember when a then fresh-faced teenager first came under his stewardship.

ABOVE: STAR IN THE MAKING - Mike Brown - middle row, fourth from left - with his lower sixth tutor group.

“Mike was this keen and enthusiastic new student,” he said. “He had passion all over his face, but after a trial he hadn’t been picked for the team.

“I came in as coach and wanted the best players to give recognition to the fact that Peter Symonds is the best rugby college in the area.

“Mike was clearly talented in any back position and would be able to play at south west level at no10.

“But you looked at his skills set for what would be needed at the highest level and I encouraged Mike to consider playing full-back.

“We had a big discussion about it and he bought into the principles as a full-back.

“I’m just so pleased he decided to play there, he really blossomed and we were able to develop him.

“He had all the attributes you needed and – not a lot of people know this – but he’s a very good goal kicker too.

“As his teacher you just wanted to see him fulfil his potential and prove what he could do – he was very strong willed and passionate.

“You’ve got to have that drive and determination and the skills set as a full-back means you always commit yourself 100% to the tackle and it’s about aerial dominance.

“You’ve got to kick under pressure against opposition at the highest level and he suited that.”

Marchant – who is the father of Joe Marchant, another to come through the Peter Symonds rugby programme and play for Harlequins – has a sense of pride in regards to Brown's achievements, but knows that he wouldn't have made it at the top level if it wasn't for his attitude as a youngster.

ABOVE: Mike Brown with Mike Marchant's son Joe, who now plays for Harlequins.  DHL Ambassador Mike Brown will make his first ever Rugby World Cup appearance when England take on Fiji at Twickenham.In anticipation of this momentous occasion, DHL took Mike back to where his rugby career began: Peter Symonds College in Hampshire.

“He would ask questions,” he said, remembering what Brown was like to coach. “He’s would challenge what he was told.

“He wasn’t one to be told that he was doing well and let that be enough. He’d challenge what he was told and what he was asked to do.

“He’d ask why. He’d question and probe what you’d be trying to do with him.

“Mike would test you out and challenge that coach/player relationship.

“That’s what you want and that’s what makes you into a sportsmen – Mike was good.”