DREAM TEAM

CHARLIE BECKETT, THE AMPTHILL AND FORMER ENGLAND U20s, JERSEY REDS, GLOUCESTER & LEICESTER LOOSE FORWARD, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST…

1. Marcos Ayerza – The best scrummager I've ever had the pleasure to push behind. Never known anyone love scrums like him. A gentleman off the pitch but not someone you want to cross on it.

2. Harry Thacker – Arguably the most talented and skilful footballer I've ever played with. Incredible hands, feet, pace and strength. Brilliant lineout thrower and a far better scrummager than he gets credit for.

3. John Afoa – ‘The Squadfather'. Somehow seems to just be getting better with age. A very good scrummager but arguably one of the best props ever round the park. It's like having another playmaker in your XV.

4. Ed Slater – Great physical presence and brilliant leader. Good lineout forward and never afraid of doing the dirty work. Sort of man you always want on the pitch with you.

5. Jeremy Thrush – Uncle Jerry! Brilliant lineout technician, brilliant bloke, and a surprising turn of pace! He and Ed complement each other very well.

6. Tom Croft – Potentially the most freakishly gifted athlete I've ever seen. Pace, power, strength, and one of the best lineout jumpers to ever play, Crofty had it all. My idol growing up, was a special moment getting to play with him.

7. Sam Underhill – There aren't many better over the ball at the breakdown in world rugby today. Incredible work rate and loves making dominant tackles, a proper number 7.

8. Jake Polledri – The best ball carrier in the world today. I've been on the wrong end of it in training, you think you've got him, and next moment you're flat on your back. Can't wait to see him back on the pitch.

9. Willi Heinz – Probably the best captain I've played under, and until recently, criminally underrated. Brilliant service, a brilliant box kicker and all round a fantastic player.

10. Billy Burns – Skilful, intelligent and incredibly brave in defence. Very good game manager and has that little bit of something extra you want from your 10.

11. Miles Benjamin – I only had the pleasure of playing with Miles once for Leicester, but in that game, he scored one of the best tries I've ever seen live. Fast, strong and a brilliant finisher.

12. Mark Atkinson – Brilliantly talented ball player and a very powerful ball carrier who will get you over the gainline more often than not. Also the best offloader of the ball I've played with.

13. Henry Trinder – A tried and tested midfield partnership. Trinny's been at the top of the English game for over ten years. Incredibly elusive in attack and a brilliant defender.

14. Louis Rees-Zammit – There's fast, there's really fast, there's there's Zam. A generational talent who will be scoring mental tries for years to come!

15. Jason Woodward – Jase is everything I want when I'm looking for a 15. Safe under a high ball and has some serious X-factor in attack. Also makes my team considerably better looking!