Dream Team: Ross Samson – London Scottish and former London Irish scrum-half

1. Alan Jacobsen – ‘Chunk’ is the Godfather of Scottish rugby. Nobody messes with him and he knows all the dark arts of scrummaging. He’s a great guy to have on your side.
2. Joe Graham – When I was briefly at Tynedale, I was amazed by his all-round ability and his unbelievable work ethic for the team.
3. Rupert Harden – We were in the Falcons academy together and it is great to see the incredible progress he has made to being a deserved England squad member…he loves a scrum.
4. Bob Casey – Bob is such an inspirational guy who was the heart and soul of London Irish for so many years. He would have to lead my side out.
5. Scott Macleod – Scott has the best skills I have seen from any second row. Added to that he is also the most talented front of the bus singer in the country.
6. Ross Rennie – I have to fit Ross in because of his match-winning ability, breakdown nuisance and his offloading skill. I’m hoping he gets a Lions call-up.
7.  Lewis Calder – I have played with Lewis since we were at school together. He is the biggest cheat I know and an out and out ball- winner – every team needs one of those.
8. Chris Hala’ufia – I was so delighted he was on my team. Without question the biggest hitter I have ever seen on the pitch, and the most chilled guy off it.
9. Michael Claassens – I loved watching him when I was growing up. He has great all-round skills and is the heartbeat of the Bath team. I had the pleasure of making my professional debut against him for Edinburgh.
10. Phil Godman – Phil was my half-back partner at Edinburgh, and he is now pulling the strings at London Scottish. Has great distribution skills and I’m delighted to have teamed up with him again.
11. Tim Visser – We were in the Newcastle academy together before both signing for Edinburgh. He’s a total try- machine but the worst and weirdest roommate ever.
12. Joe Ansbro – Joe is a top man both on and off the field. An uncompromising player who is also very quick-witted. My thoughts are with him as he recovers from a nasty neck injury.
13. Jonathan Joseph –The most naturally gifted player I have ever played with and I really hope he adds to his tally of Test caps for England – I’m sure he will.
14. Sailosi Tagicakibau – I played with Sailosi at Irish and he is probably the coolest guy I know. He loves an offload and never fails to beat at least one defender.
15. Chris Paterson – Scotland‘s most capped player and record points scorer oozed class – a legend of the game in Scotland.