Sale Sharks hooker Rob Webber is in the midst of his fourth season at AJ Bell Stadium, his 18th in professional rugby.
A career which started at Yorkshire Carnegie in 2002 before reaching higher heights with Wasps and Bath, has encompassed over 200 appearances and honours with England and England Saxons.
Here, Webber picks a Dream Team bsed on players he has played with and against.
1. Paul James
Played with him for Bath and against him for England and he was a very strong scrummager. Hard man and an expert in skulduggery you’d want in your team.
2. Raphael Ibanez
Iconic hooker and a great thrower, even though his one-handed technique looked all wrong. Great guy who I learnt a lot from during our time together at Wasps.
3. Phil Vickery
In his prime, the ‘Raging Bull’ was unbelievable. Great ball-carrying prop, fantastic on the front foot, a good leader of men and a pretty handy scrummager.
4. Bryn Evans
Currently with us at Sale and he’d be my lineout guru. Has stood the test of time in the Premiership and his preparation and rugby intelligence are exceptional.
5. Simon Shaw
Huge man but the most skilful second row you’ll see. You could build a team around ‘Shawsy’ and he was a massive part of Wasps’ success in the Noughties.
6. Jono Ross
Joe Worsley is close but Jono edges it because of his unbelievable engine, work-rate and desire to whack people and make tackles. Fantastic, inspirational player.
7. Francois Louw
Toss up between him and Tom Rees but for sheer ability to get a turnover, I’ll go for Francois. Unbelievable on the floor and has achieved great things in the game.
8. Lawrence Dallaglio
Brilliant player and learning my trade under him at Wasps was fantastic. Had an innate ability to get referees to do exactly what he wanted, which was handy!
9. Danny Care
Hard to look past Faf de Klerk but I need to get my Yorkshire representation up! Tremendous longevity and has done fantastic stuff in the Prem for 15 years.
10. Owen Farrell
Any 10 who can hit harder than a back row gets my vote! Superb all-round game, great goal-kicker and his leadership and ability to get an attack going is priceless.
11. Chris Ashton
Didn’t know him well before he came to Sale but you can see why he’s been so prolific. All he wants to do is win and his work-rate and desire is right up there.
12. Kyle Eastmond
With his skillset and time on the ball, he never really seems to break sweat. Ability to pick a pass is outstanding and was a great bloke to play off at Bath.
13. Fraser Waters
In our Wasps days he was the defensive guru and his understanding of that role was second to none. Massively underrated, deserved way more than three England caps.
14. Semesa Rokoduguni
Brings Fijian flair and some of the things I saw him do at Bath, you think he’s playing a different game! Brings some Army discipline as well.
15. Mathew Tait
Growing up together in England age group teams, the tactics were pretty much to give the ball to Taity and let him work his magic! Incredible player in his prime.
