1. Cian Healy – The Leinster star is a schoolmate of mine from Belvedere College. He has since gone on to be one of the best looseheads in the world. Top lad and a complete freak physically!
2. Tom Cruse – Old Titans team-mate now at London Irish who is an absolute gem of a man and never afraid of a ridiculous try celebration! Always has me in stitches and has a wand of a left foot.
3. Uini Atonio – He represents France now but I played against him when he turned out for Samoa U20s. Despite tipping the scales at well over 160kg (25 stone) he could move like a winger will skills to match!
4. Richie Gray – He captained the Scotland U20s side who dashed my hopes of a Grand Slam back with Ireland in 2009.
5. Malcolm O’Kelly – He came out of retirement to strap on the boots and play in a B&I Cup quarter-final in March 2011 alongside all of the academy lads. An Irish legend!
6. Peter O’Mahony – A brilliant player and unbelievable leader who was always destined for big things.
7. Sean O’Brien – A wrecking ball of a man in attack and defence who is deservedly seen as one of the best back-rows in the world.
8. Lawrence Pearce – Another wrecking ball with ridiculous pace and skill set to match. Not afraid of a dodgy barnet.
9. Charlie Mulchrone – He was a pleasure to play alongside before he went to Worcester. Never shy of a show and go and always ready to belt out a Westlife power ballad at the drop of a hat.
10. Ian McKinley – Naturally, a complete rugby player whose career came to a brief halt through injury only to be rekindled through his pioneering work with Raleri Sports Goggles.
11. David Lemi – I have played against the Bristol captain three times in the past couple of seasons and I am still to lay a finger on him. That’s all you need to know!
12. Juan Pablo Socino – A points machine with the boot and a man you could always trust to break a tackle – he is a crowbar! Now going very well at Newcastle.
13. Jack Roberts – Another crowbar but one with jet shoes. Brilliant outside break and skills. Very enjoyable to play outside – even though I’m still not convinced he can speak English yet.
14. Isa Nacewa – The Leinster captain is a very composed and outrageously talented player who could comfortably play any position he wants.
15. Sean Scanlon – A player who makes everyone around him feel at ease and someone who definitely should not still be playing in the Championship.