Dream Team: Pete Browne – London Welsh and former Harlequins & Newcastle lock

1. Joe Marler – A great player, Supreme at the scrum and can also make a big impact in the loose. Thoroughly deserves the captaincy at Harlequins for next season.
2. Rob Vickers – We used to share a lift from Durham to Newcastle! Great guy off the pitch and outstanding work rate on it. Shame about his banter though.
3. Carl Hayman – The All Black superstar was my captain when I was at Newacstle Falcons. A quality player with an unreal profile in the scrum.
4. Bakkies Botha – The Springbok enforcer was one of my favourite players growing up. Top athlete and incredibly effective at the breakdown. I was lucky to face him when I came off the bench for Quins to play Toulon in an Amlin Cup quarter-final a few years back.
5.  Steve Borthwick – I have always admired him as a lineout co-ordinator. The Sarries lineout was rock solid with him in charge.
6. Chris Robshaw – He has always led by example during my time at the Stoop. He is a great player and a humble guy despite being   England captain.
7. Karl Kirwan – He was the top performer for London Welsh last year with his huge work rate. He just makes tackle after tackle, the guy is a machine.
8. Tom Guest – Possess a fantastic skill set. He is quick and strong. I very look forward to seeing him playing at London Irish.
9. Karl Dickson – One of the best 9s at making space for forwards runners. He bosses the game and tells forwards where to be which is what we need at times!
10. Jonny Wilkinson – Not a lot has to be written about Jonny – these days his name is synonymous with excellence. I was at Newcastle with him but didn’t play with him. But like with Bakkies, I managed to face him when he was at Toulon.
11. Seb Stegmann – Great player who, cue cliche, puts his body on the line every game. We’ve been at two clubs together (Welsh and Quins) and I love playing with him. A favourite with my housemates who know him as ‘Grease Lord’!
12. Sam Tuitupou – An All Black who is a pocket rocket. He just seemed to be able to bounce his way through tackles. Faced him when he was at Sale Sharks and thought he was very impressive.
13. George Lowe – One of the most talented players I have played with – fast, strong and skilful. It is a real shame he picked up an injury last season. Hope to see him back on the pitch this season.
14. Mark Cueto – One of English rugby’s greatest finishers. A true servant to Sale in the era of professionalism.
15. Mike Brown – Best player for England last year. He is competitive to the nth degree. Deserves all the plaudits he gets. The best player under the high ball in world rugby.