- published: 22 Jun 2011
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Stephen Brett (born 23 November 1985 in Waiouru, New Zealand) is a rugby union player who plays for Lyon in the Top 14 competition.
Brett is a versatile back whose preferred position is first five-eighth, although he can also play second five-eighth and fullback. He is the stepson of former Canterbury and New Zealand center Victor Simpson. Brett is known for his vision, incisive running, brilliant distribution ability and tactical kicking. He has worked on improving his goal kicking and defensive skills, which have led some to suggest Brett's primary weakness is in his defence, thus impeding his progress to higher levels.
Brett made his Super Rugby debut in 2006 but had to wait until the following season to make his mark. With regular first-five Daniel Carter being unavailable for much of the season due to the World Cup conditioning program, Brett seized his chance in the number 10 jersey and finished 2007 as the Crusader's top scorer with 90 points. He continued his good form into the 2008 competition, scoring a try and picking up the Man of the Match award in the Crusaders brilliant 54–19 victory over reigning champions the Bulls in Pretoria, before breaking his collarbone in a 55–7 win against the Cheetahs; the injury sidelined Brett for around six weeks. He was signed by the Blues for the 2010 and 2011 seasons,