A product of the Harlequins academy, Brown made his first team bow in 2005-06 and later represented England at age-grade level in the Six Nations and 2006 Junior World Championships. After a successful spell with Quins he won two full England caps on tour to South Africa in 2007, although his Test career stalled following the 2008 trip to New Zealand, where he was one of four players embroiled in an off-field scandal.

On the domestic front he continued to be a committed presence for Quins, although it was not until 2011 that his form reached international level again, when he was instrumental in a famous Heineken Cup win over Toulouse and their unbeaten domestic run.

And Brown was rewarded for his form with a place in the EPS for the 2012 Six Nations where he went head-to-head with Ben Foden at fullback.

Stuart Lancaster opted to stick with Foden as his number one choice option at the back of the field but Brown still got some game time. He was used as a substitute on three occasions during the campaign.

Following the Six Nations, Brown continued to turn in a series of memorable performances for Quins and was named on the six-man shortlist for the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year in April. He was selected for England's tour of South Africa and started the first test but injured forced him home early.

Brown began the new season in great style and returned to the international fold as a winger in England's autumn internationals. He continued on the flank in the 2013 Six Nations, impressing against Ireland in Dublin in particular. But England ultimately lost out on the title.