Dream Team: Tom Heathcote – Worcester fly-half

1. Val Rapava-Ruskin – He can do things I never saw others props do and I’m certain once he gets his head in the right place at Worcester he’ll be one of the best looseheads around.
2. Lee Mears – He was one of the senior players when I joined the Bath Academy and he was a great leader. One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.
3. Kane Palma-Newport – We started in the Bath Academy on the same day and went through the ranks together. A very good friend and a very good tighthead.
4. Anton Bresler – The big South African was my roommate for most of my season at Edinburgh and we got on well. Hugely physical and a big presence on the field.
5. Will Spencer – Another physical second row. One of my best friends in rugby so I’m looking forward to playing with him again at Worcester this season.
6. CJ Stander – I faced him when we played Munster with Edinburgh and he ran at me all game. I had to front up but he ran over me a few times.
7. Francois Louw – His name and performances for Bath over the years speak for themselves. One of the very best opensides in the world.
8. Phil Dowson – He’d be my captain. A great leader and a lot of experience at the highest level. One of the most knowledgable players I’ve come across.
9. Francois Hougaard – I only played a handful of games with him last season but he made such an impact at Sixways. Very easy to play with and very dangerous runner. No wonder he’s got so many Springbok caps.
10. George Ford – I played with and against him for most of my career. He took my shirt at Bath but no hard feelings as he’s world class!
11. Nick Abendanon – Mostly a full-back but he’s as good on the wing. An awesome player doing the business for Clermont who I watched a lot when I was in the Bath Academy before being lucky enough to play with him.
12. Ryan Mills – A very good distributor and communicator. I’ve played with him since England U16s and it’s great to have him outside me at Worcester.
13. Matt Banahan – I have to have him in my team. He has a massive physical presence in midfield but he’s also very skilful to put other players into space before or after hitting the line.
14. Bryce Heem – He joined Worcester at the start of last season and like Francois, he made a massive impact. Awesome to watch ball in hand so no wonder he was our top try scorer. Very exciting!
15. Alex Goode – I might have some explaining to do to Chris Pennell, but Alex was just outstanding when we played Saracens last season. We couldn’t lay a finger on him!