1. Gareth Caen
Big tackler, big hitter and someone I looked up to at Sandbach RFC. Club legend who probably could have played higher. Hard prop who’s still going strong.
2. Sam Matavesi
Put him anywhere on the pitch and he will do a job. Good defender, attacker, off-loader and excellent scrum and lineouts – just a great all-rounder.
3. Christian Judge
Passionate scrummager who’s gone to Saracens which is testament to all the hard work he’s put in. Fully deserves his big shot at the Premiership.
4. James Gaskell
Played together at Sandbach School and you could always tell he was going to the top. Was the youngest Sale captain and now doing well for Wasps.
5. Josh Beaumont
Played against him at Uni when he was at Durham. Great presence, dominant at the lineout and we had some good battles.
6. Steve Luatua
Very good player and an excellent ball carrier. The sort of character you want in your side and no surprise to see him enjoying a great season with Bristol.
7. Matt Kvesic
Very difficult No.7 to deal with. Good at the breakdown and a big lad to have running at you. Has developed his off-load and is having a fine season at Chiefs.
8. Sam Simmonds
Came to Pirates and struggled to get in our team but went back to Exeter and made the England team. Talented back rower in attack.
9. Alex Day
Sale’s Will Cliff is up there but I’ll go with Alex because he joined Pirates when I did and has been excellent for us. Good tactical player with a great box-kick.
10. Ian Madigan
Ran the show when we played Bristol last season and great with ball in hand. Can put lovely, subtle kicks in behind and a great goal-kicker to boot.
11. Luke Morahan
Big Aussie winger who caused havoc at our place last season by scoring a hat-trick. Hard lad, quick and very hard to tackle. Best we played against.
12. Nicolas De Battista
Nuggety Argentinian midfielder who’s good in attack but an excellent defender who lets nothing pass. Great that he’s re-joining us from Zebre.
13. Joe Marchant
Quick with great feet and caused us a lot of problems when he was on loan at London Scottish. Can see him playing for England in the near future.
14. Joe Cokanasiga
Sat a few of our boys down when playing for London Irish last season. Young lad who can play in any conditions and has already hit it off with England.
15. Kyle Moyle
Been unlucky with injury but a very talented No.15 who’s a cross between Anthony Watson and Alex Goode. Run, pass, tackle, he has no weakness.
