The career of Ryan Mills started at Gloucester, but it has been at Worcester Warriors where the centre has forged a reputation as one of the Premiership‘s most integral pieces to a team’s backline.
Seen by many as an underrated player worthy of an England call-up, having represented his country at Under-20 level, Mills picks a dream XV based on those he has faced as an opponent or played alongside.
1 Mako Vunipola
Proper modern-day prop. Some of the best hands of any rugby player I’ve ever played with and a real turn of pace. You have to put your foot down to catch him!
2 Jack Singleton
Breakthrough season at Worcester was unbelievable. Ridiculous around the park, set piece was great and banged out 80 minutes after 80 minutes at such a high level.
3 Nick Schonert
From when he first came to Worcester he has improved unbelievably. Not only his haircut and fashion sense, but rugby-wise he’s one of the best in the Prem.
4 Jim Hamilton
Captain Spongefists! My team needs some leadership and an enforcer – and I’ve never met one quite like him. Not the most skilful but a huge character at Gloucester.
5 Iain Henderson
Played against him at U20s level and he was an absolute menace. Not seen a game of his where I wouldn’t want him on my team.
6 Matt Kvesic
Awesome player. With all the new laws around tackling and breakdown, contact area is key and he is a threat in every sense. Also like having an extra back in open play.
7 Sam Lewis
Easiest pick on my team, I rate him so highly. Exceptional player who can do it all. Factor in the shoulder injury he went through, it us unbelievable what he does. Legend.
8 Billy Vunipola
Game-changer. Every team needs them. Big, strong, huge impact plays and can tip the balance in your favour alone. Just edges out my teammate GJ Van Velze.
9 Faf De Klerk
Pre-game analysis is always about him: how to stop him, how much he can frustrate and disrupt your game. Dan Robson’s close.
10 Ryan Lamb
Most skilful player I’ve played with. Reads a game and sees things others don’t. Without him Worcester may still be in the Champ. Balls of steel and proper honest bloke.
11 James Simpson-Daniel
Joint-first on my team with Sam Lewis. Wish we’d had the chance to see him playing more when fit, would have 50-plus caps. Incredible player and an absolute gent.
12 Ashley Beck
Class. Not seen as much as he should have been at club or international level since coming to Worcester but he can ball-play, carry, run lines and kick (sometimes).
13 Henry Trinder
Manu Tuilagi is tough but ‘Trinny’ can do things others only dream of. Fast, runs great lines, great game understanding, can kick and defends very well. Not many better.
14 Bryce Heem
Hero for Worcester and a legend of a bloke. Grabbed games and won them by himself on numerous occasions!
15 Olly Morgan
King of the skies and tough as old boots. Ran some of the best lines, could kick and brave as anything. Wish his career hadn’t been cut short by injury.
