Armitage-Brain pushing Ohio State around. (contrastphotography.com)
Lawrence Armitage-Brain is the July player of the month. Lawrence came to Michigan from London, to continue his Kinesiology education. Lawrence’s quiet demeanor hides a fiery competitor who helped Michigan in their Collegiate Rugby Championship success. Armitage-Brain played flyhalf for the team but fits into most back positions. He is skilled, creative, and not afraid to make plays. Fits right into the Michigan mold.
Height: 6′ 0″
Weight: 175 lbs.
Year: Junior
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: London, England
Why rugby?
My Dad used to coach my brother’s team so it was the obvious path to take. I actually managed to join a year early and never stopped since.
What have you liked about Michigan rugby the most so far?
No doubt, the closeness of the team. I have played for a few teams since starting playing aged five, and there are very few teams, especially at the university level who are best friend both on and off the pitch. Living together was a bit weird to understand when I first joined but during the CRC I saw the camaraderie of the players and willingness to die for each other.
Most memorable moment on the pitch?
Running out onto the pitch against Ohio State at the Collegiate Rugby Championship was a moment I’ll never forget. The mixture of nerves, excitement, honor, pride and adrenaline was beyond anything I think I have ever experienced in sport. To be able to represent Michigan in one the biggest rivalries in collegiate sport was amazing and Wolverine support was second to none in that stadium.
What’s your favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
Favorite: 3 vs 2! Allows me to use my strengths of decision making skills and running good out-to-in lines. As well as the one hand dummy which fooled a few players during training.
Least Favorite: Anything that involved the big boys running directly at me really. Tackle progression was also annoying.
What other sports have you played?
County field hockey player (equivalent to all-state team), pretty good swimmer (national team competitions), school cricket, athletics, snowboarding and anything that sounds fun really!
In 5 years, what do you see yourself doing?
Exercise Physiologist for elite athletes in a professional team setting. Ideally in America- who knows… maybe the Wolverines football team.
What’s some embarrassing childhood memory you can tell us?
During swimming training we were doing 25m sprints (one length). I was in line ahead of this girl that I had a crush on for years. I knew my trunks were getting small and too tight for me but decided to continue using them, and as I bent over to get into the diving position my racing shorts ripped down the seam straight over my butt. Let’s just say she turned me down when I asked her on a date!
Favorite place in Ann Arbor?
North Quad was my temporary home while in Ann Arbor so that has to be up there, and maybe a close second would be the Huron river (for floating) but honestly the Oosterbaan Field House was the most fun I had while in Ann Arbor.
Biggest fear?
Sounds a bit soppy but being alone. Family time is important to me so I would hate to be alone when I’m older.
Favorite food/meal?
Bangers and Mash, Fish and chips, Roast dinner (anything typically British).
Any game day superstitions?
Used to enjoy leaving the tunnel last but probably making sure my socks are comfy and shoes are perfect so I don’t get distracted while playing.
Favorite superhero and why?
Never been a big super hero fan but probably Batman, because he doesn’t skip leg day!
Best advice you’ve ever received?
From my grandmother: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
