Ben Nutley is gearing up for his second season at Butts Park Arena, after joining ambitious Coventry from Northampton Saints in 2018.
The former England Under-20s back row was part of the Saints side which lifted the Premiership in 2014. Here he picked a starting line-up to be reckoned with based on who he has played with and against.
1 Marcos Ayerza
In terms of scrummaging he was the best out there whether it was in the league, Europe or for Argentina. Not always legal but changed the way people scrummaged.
2 Schalk Brits
Stats were incredible and a league above anyone else’s. Can’t argue with his success and he was like having an extra back row, centre or full-back – could play anywhere.
3 Ethan Waller
A loosehead at heart but I have to have him because he’s one of the best props in the country. One of the most skilful fat blokes I played with, deserves an England chance.
4 Christian Day
The most underrated player but without him calling the shots Saints’ lineout would not have run as well as it did. Wonderful servant who was crucial to Saints’ success.
5 Courtney Lawes
World-class lock and top bloke. Went from strength-to-strength to represent England and the Lions and he’s just getting better with age and all of his experience.
6 Samu Manoa
Unknown when he arrived at Saints but went from laying concrete to destroying people, making breaks and winning a Premiership. One of the hardest hitters ever.
7 Steffon Armitage
Was one of my idols growing up with his ability over the ball and ability to play with it. Was always in England contention and an exceptional player I learnt a lot off.
8 Louis Picamoles
Only a short spell at Saints but the guy won games on his own and was world-class. People just bounced off him and his ability to offload was second to none.
9 Kahn Fotuali’i
Any player who can control a game from No.9 is exceptional and he was like another back row with the tackles and turnovers he made. Everything was world-class.
10 Danny Cipriani
Off-field stuff has overshadowed some of his on-field stuff but he’s showed his best for Gloucester and he dominates games like he’s playing in schoolboy rugby.
11 Nemani Nadolo
Tackled him playing against Montpellier once and he still managed to offload for a try. Scores tries, kicks goals and for a big man he moves incredibly quickly.
12 Sam Tuitupou
Was a pleasure to play with him at Coventry because he’s one of the biggest tacklers ever. Top bloke on and off the field, you just don’t want him running at you!
13 George Pisi
In his prime was a crucial part of Northampton’s Premiership-winning team. Defensively always got things right and he had a good connection with his brother, Ken.
14 Andy Bulumakau
Coventry teammate who punches way, way above his weight. Quick, skilful and an exceptional player who’s really caught my eye since joining us last year.
15 James Wilson
Hugely underrated player who has a hell of a boot on him, is very skilful and can play anywhere across the back-line. Great team man off the field as well.
