Dream Team: Hugo Ellis – Rosslyn Park and former Dragons No.8

1. Alex Corbisiero – Has an incredible appetite for hard work and is a great scrummager. He thoroughly deserves the rise through the England ranks.
2. Raphael Ibanez – An inspirational Frenchman whose subtle skills around the park were great to watch. Not the biggest hooker around, but that never seemed to matter.
3. Phil Vickery – In his day, he was the best prop in the world. Commanded respect at Wasps and was a great influence on the younger guys – he always knew how to motivate you towards your best.
4. Luke Charteris – Unbelievable physical specimen. Manages to be a great athlete despite his enormous frame and puts himself about, always emerging with a massively high tackle-count.
5. Simon Shaw – Became an icon at Wasps and for good reason. Has an amazing skill-set for such a huge man, both in the lineout and all over the field.
6. Dan Lydiate – Probably the best defensive player I have ever come across. He smashes everything in sight.
7. Serge Betsen – I will never forget his performance against England in 2002 when he was all over Jonny Wilkinson. That was something else. It was a great experience to play with him at Wasps.
8. Lawrence Dallaglio – A great leader because he did it by example. There was no better No.8 when he was at his best – a powerhouse.
9. Danny Care – Together in the England age-groups  and his natural ability was massive. He’s a great footballer with such a turn of pace it makes him a real threat around the fringes.
10. Dave Walder – He’s a calming influence and a really good organiser – two essential qualities for a 10 – and wasn’t bothered by the pressure of the big games.
11. Aled Brew – This is a big shout, but he is Wales‘ answer to Jonah Lomu. Such a  handful when he gets involved off his wing. Also awesome to have in the changing room and should have more caps for Wales.
12. Jordan Turner-Hall – A massive presence in midfield and another who I was pleased for when he got a chance under Stuart Lancaster this year. He will never shy away from tackles or carries – whatever needs to be done.
13. Fraser Waters – Wasps’ unsung hero who was a key component in a lot of trophy wins. Mastered the blitz defence and marshalled it flawlessly.
14. Josh Lewsey – There is nothing in the game that he has not achieved, and all that because he was such a great athlete.
15. Martyn Thomas – He’s just signed for Gloucester from the Dragons and is my best mate in rugby – I had to pick him! Rock solid under the high ball and has blistering pace on the counter attack. Expect a big year from him at Kingsholm.