Mike Brown backs England kit-man sacked for recommending oil shares to players
England full-back Mike Brown has launched a passionate defence of the team's kitman Dave Tennison, who has been dismissed by the RFU for recommending oil shares to some of the players.
Tennison was sacked after some of England's World Cup squad lost money on his tip to buy shares in oil drilling firm LGO Energy.
The company's shares were worth £3.27 in June but dropped to £1.30 in September and have since fallen further to 42p.
The 55-year-old, who had been England's kitman for 13 years, is contesting the RFU's decision and the appeals process is currently ongoing.
Brown was not one of the players involved, insisting, "I'm too tight for that sort of thing", but he has been unhappy that the story was leaked, claiming last month he had lost trust in his team-mates.
The full-back is disappointed Tennison was fired and dismissed suggestions the issue may have been a distraction during the World Cup.
"He was brilliant, a great guy," Brown said.
"His work ethic was second to none, he was always willing to help at any time - in the day, the night, early in the morning.
"He was always working extremely hard. It's a shame to see him go, he's a great guy to have around. It's a shame.
"You never want to see anyone lose their job - I don't know the ins and outs so I can't really comment on that.
"All I know is he's a great guy, he worked massively hard in his job and was proud to be representing England in his way.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with him."