In contrast, while Rush was constantly being described as the Blues' go-to man in games against some of the continent's leading sides, Brown was plying his trade in the English Championship with London Welsh.
But despite the extent of the step up in class facing him this season, Brown won't be content to sit back and be a bit-part figure as the Blues target additional silverware in both the Magners League and Heineken Cup.
"It's a big challenge, but that's what rugby's all about," said Brown, who enjoyed a superb try-scoring debut for the Blues against Exeter before being named among the replacements for Friday's pre-season win over the Dragons.
"Xavier's been helpful whenever I've been able to ask him things, and also when I've had the opportunity to watch him in training.
"It'll only make both of us better, the fact that we're both challenging each other.
"I've got to work really hard to have a chance of getting into the team and getting game time…but the main thing Dai Young's said to all of us as a whole is that no one can play every game this season because of the amount of matches we're going to be playing.
"It's just about taking our chances when we get them, and that goes for everyone."
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