Dream Team: Chris Cracknell – former Bath and Worcester flanker and England Sevens Star
2. Schalk Brits – It seems there is nothing he can’t do. He has the ability to change a game in an instant.
3. Alan Paver – The unofficial king of Cornwall! A huge asset to the Pirates and keeps order down in the West Country. Has been known to hold scrummaging sessions in his kitchen!
4. Greg Rawlinson – ‘Dolph’ is a great enforcer with a gigantic head and can also make a mean Cappuccino.
5. Danny Grewcock – I only got to play a few games with the Bath legend, but he made an everlasting impression on how to be a total professional. He spoke when things needed to be said.
6. Jerome Kaino – I played against him at the 2004 World U21 Championships and he was a cut above the rest. In my opinion he’s currently the best blindside in world rugby.
7. Russell Earnshaw – A huge influence on my career, both as a coach and someone I have played alongside. He should have been capped by England and is also one of the first players to wear white boots, which he painted himself!
8. Tim Cowley – My ex-housemate has a step that Shane Williams would be proud of and had the ability to chop a player in half with his aggressive tackles. Also cooked a mean Sunday roast.
9. Gavin Cattle – A great leader and would be captain of this side. Knows how to get the best of his forwards and a dangerous sniper round the fringes. The only bad thing is he won’t accept he is balding!
10. Butch James – Wish I had played with him more at Bath. Probably the only fly-half other than Jonny Wilkinson who people didn’t try to run over – he’d snap you in two.
11. Matt Turner – Has been on fire this season and deservedly nominated for IRB Sevens Player of the Season. Let him have the ball at your peril. The only time you won’t find him on his Blackberry is when we are on the pitch.
12. Shontayne Hape – Mainly in here for his DJing skills. ‘DJ shape’ is a world-class sportsman who can off-load with the best of them – Sonny Bill Williams must have watched his highlights reel.
13. Rob Vickerman – Awesome roommate and one of the best rugby brains and players I have played with.
14. Tommy Williams – A multi-talented sportsman who could play anywhere in the backline and has the skill to make something happen.
15. Israel Dagg – A man you never wanted to give space to on the Sevens field, and has now more than proved it on the international XV stage as well.
