Dream Team: Mat Gilbert – Bath and former Scarlets flanker shares his dream XV

1. Christian Califano – He was a good teammate when I played for Gloucester A, formed a formidable front row with Ollie Azam and Patrice Collazo. A fun guy to have around.
2. Matthew Rees – A great leader and character, returning to the game after testicular cancer is a testament to that.
3. John Afoa – A destructive scrummager at Ulster and a guy who loves to carry. A big signing for Gloucester
4. Stuart Hooper – An amazing captain and awesome lineout operator for us. A great guy to have at the club for many reasons.
5. Aaron Shingler – A supreme athlete. Good enough to play across the back five and a great lineout jumper. I’ll never forget his 90 yard dash to score against Castre in the Heineken cup. Had to fit him in somewhere.
6. Stephen Ferris – I’ve never left the field in awe of someone as much as this guy. He was unbelievable in 2011. Shame he had to retire early.
7. Frazer McArdell – We formed a great partnership and understanding during our Uni years at Hartpury. Had dedication and ability to be a pro had it not been for four knee ops ending his career at 22. Never seen anyone drink a bottle of wine so fast.
8. Samu Manoa – A wrecking ball both with ball in hand and in defence. A huge figure for the Saints in last season’s success.
9. Peter Stringer – Mr Reliable. 98 Caps for Ireland says it all. The most professional player I have had the privilege to work with.
10. Stephen Jones – Like Strings, huge international experience, and a great kicking game. Gave me so much advice when I first turned pro.
11. Joe Rokocoko – In the short time he was on the field against Mogliano, it was very obvious to see why his was a success in an All Black shirt. Pace, Power and lovely footwork.
12. Jon Davies – A big game player at 12 or 13. Makes things happen with some great lines and some nice deft hands. A great laugh off the pitch as well.
13. Henry Trinder – Awesome to play with at Hartpury, nightmare to play against now. Has the ability to cut defences to shreds. A solution to England‘s centres if he can stay fit for a period of time.
14. Dan Norton – Another Hartpury mate. He’s a joker who plays with a smile on his face. His ridiculous footwork and pace has made him a star in the 7s World Series. Good luck to him in the Commonwealth Games.
15. Martyn Beaumont – An unknown to most, but the heartbeat of a very successful Dover youth side in my teens. Was a 10, but now a 14/15 at Canterbury scoring tries for fun. One of the best I’ve ever played with in comparison to his peers who missed the selection net.
*This article was published in The Rugby Paper on July 13