Ealing Trailfinders openside flanker Jordy Reid signed a new deal to stay at Vallis Way for the new season, extending his time at the Championship club he joined after leaving the Melbourne Rebels in 2017 to move to London.
Here, the 27-year-old selects his picks for a dream team XV based upon players he has lined up alongside and faced as an opponent.
1. Tendai Mtawarira
Set-piece-wise, ‘The Beast' is dominant. Also one of those players who's strong around the park. Suits my mould of a powerful team.
2. Alun Walker
Trailfinders' teammate who's not as powerful as some but is a smart player. Skill-set and nous around the park is second to none and throws a good dart as well.
3. Laurie Weeks
Very physical player with loads of heart. Might not stand out as much as others but does a lot of work people don't see and is a real grafter, which I like in my team.
4. Sam Whitelock
Runs a lineout really well, has good knowledge around the park and carries hard. Has the complete game, which is why he's one of the best in the business.
5. Eben Etzebeth
If you're looking for someone to get over the gain-line and be an enforcer, he's the guy who will run through a brick wall. Totally uncompromising to play against.
6. Sean McMahon
For a guy who's not as big as your typical No.6, he's got a lot of aggression and go-forward about him. Ball-carrying in the heavy traffic is second to none.
7. Colby Fainga'a
There are great No.7s in Australia but I think Colby is very underrated. His breakdown work is just as good as others and he's a strong defender too.
8. Schalk Burger
Got to play against him once and one of my favourite players growing up. Loved his physical presence and he's a bit of a mad man with no regard for his own body.
9. Ben Youngs
I played for the Rebels against the B&I Lions and I like the way he's a running threat as much as a good passer. Keeps defenders on their toes.
10. Beauden Barrett
Raw pace is second to none and he reads the direction of a game so well. Good connection with the wide men and offers a huge running threat.
11. Nemani Nadolo
Big winger who's hard to stop. Get him one-on-one near the try-line and it's generally game over. Such a skilful player who can kick goals too.
12. Manu Tuilagi
Another B&I Lion I played against in 2013 who gets his team over the gain-line every time. Form for England last week showed what a powerful player he is.
13. Lewis Jones
Underrated player at Trailfinders who's surprisingly fast and a good distributor. Can get on the outside of opposition 13s and is a good defender.
14. Tom English
Another former Rebel teammate. Has a great work-rate off the ball and is always looking to get involved off his 10 and 12. Cover defence is unbelievable, has a good motor and a big guy who can finish.
15. Kurtley Beale
I need some added X-factor, so who better than Kurtley as a second distributor? Rapid off the mark, can get through a hole and scores tries from nowhere.
