Argentin by birth, “Nacho” Brex found his way into professional rugby relatively late, earning his first national team selection with Italy at almost 29 years old. As Toulon dreams of a victory in Dublin (Saturday at 4pm), the journey of this smiling helmet-wearing player can be quite inspiring.
In an era where modern rugby demands everything instantly, with players ready for the top level at a young age, Juan Ignacio Brex, who will turn thirty-four next month, took his time to develop. His career path is not a straight, smooth highway like the autoroute du Soleil, but rather resembles the adventurous and charming pathways of the Pampas. Before heading to Europe, playing in the second division for Rugby Viadana in the Lombardy province of Mantua, Brex discovered rugby in Maradona’s homeland. His birthplace, still proudly displayed during Six Nations matches as “S.C.” scribbled and meticulously taped on his black helmet covering the Gilbert logo. These initials refer to San Cirano, his Buenos Aires training club located forty-five minutes southwest of Boca Juniors’ famous Bombonera stadium.
“He arrived in Treviso at 25, but it was a year or two later when he truly blossomed,” recalls Andrea Masi, the current RCT backs coach who watched him mature while in the Venetian staff at the time. “I remember, after every training session, he stayed, working on his technique, his behaviors. And over time, he improved. There are no secrets in this environment.” Ironically, it was against the French team of Charles Ollivon and Baptiste Serin that the Argentine seven-player became a fifteen-player international for the first time with the Italian national team. A late start in 2021 when he was almost twenty-nine years old.
This delay in his rugby development gave him a maturity that only time can provide. While others rely on physical attributes, Brex focuses on a deep understanding of the sport. Philippe Doussy, the Italy kicking game coach, confirms, “Certainly, his strong point in defense is evident, but Nacho is also and above all a brain. He is our defensive scientist in Italy.” He meticulously prepares video sessions with the analyst, even doing the editing himself. He dissects the opponent’s plays and our defenses on the field. He even presents the plan to his teammates. When he leaves a meeting having validated the system, there are no more questions. It’s clear, it’s precise. He is almost a coach in his mind.
The former number 13 from Benetton Treviso managed to transform his offensive game under the guidance of technicians like Masi. “He has become a decisive player, capable of fixing at the last minute, changing a run to open an interval for his teammates, or breaking through in crucial moments,” explains the RCT coach. Two recent examples demonstrate this. His breakthrough against Glasgow in the quarterfinals that turned into the winning try. In a different scenario, a perfect grubber kick for winger Louis Lynagh during the Italy-Scotland match in the Six Nations hit the mark. This variety is the result of relentless work that continues beyond team training sessions.
At Toulon, as well as with Italy when he has the pleasure of returning, Brex is often the last one on the field doing extra work. Not out of obligation, but out of love for the game. A relentless competitor, he challenges anyone willing to take him on. His little pleasure? Passing exercises. Ten meters and from each side, aiming to deliver the ball right into the static receiver’s hands. The man who will celebrate his thirty-fourth birthday next month sees himself as a bridge between generations. For the young players in the academy, he is the big brother who jokes around after a session but also stays to correct a posture or work on skills. He is the “father” figure reassuring the youngsters. His presence earned him a spot among the wise leaders of the Italian national team, where he even captained the team last November.
Surrounded by compatriots at RCT
Arriving to replace the irreplaceable New Zealander Leicester Fainga’anuku, Brex quickly adapted to the RCT’s style of play, systems, and identity. Surrounded by countrymen like Paolo Garbisi, “Gianma” Lucchesi, Sergio Parisse, and Andrea Masi, he integrated into the French league. Masi explains, “You come into a new league and you have players you’ve already played with, it gives you a level of confidence.” As a former seven-player, he played 1,327 minutes in twenty-three matches this season, making him the sixth most-used player by Pierre Mignoni.
In the heart of the Toulon locker room, Brex makes an effort. Upon arrival, he declined the easy option of communicating in English, preferring to challenge himself daily by speaking in the language of Molière. This integration continued during a preseason camp where he stood on a table, participating in the traditional new player initiation by singing “Muchachos,” the anthem that accompanied the Albiceleste during the last World Cup in 2022. Echoing his Argentine roots that he never truly leaves behind. Always accompanied by his mate, the traditional South American herbal infusion, and his international Pumas friend, Tomas Albornoz, whom he met in Treviso.
In the city, Brex enjoys strolling towards Porquerolles, one of the beautiful islands off the coast of Toulon. Father of a daughter and a son, he is known as a family man. “One of the strongest images of his career remains when he stood with his son by his side during one of our matches with Italy, during the anthems. It was a moment of pure emotion,” recalls Doussy. The tenderness of the future equals the battles of the matches. The experienced Brex will be a major weapon for the Toulon backline as they prepare to face Leinster. At 4 pm on Saturday, facing a Dublin team made up of the backbone of the Irish national team and familiar with the electric tension of these high-stakes matches, his clarity and composure will be invaluable. “He wants to win something, he is a very fierce competitor,” says Masi. “I believe he deserves to end the season with something in hand.”
