The Rugby Paper’s Championship Dream Team

London Irish were head and shoulders above any other side during the regular season but many individuals have stood out to make a fine team of the season – one that could arguably give struggling Premiership sides a good run for their money.
Starting with backs, here are the stand-out players before the much-awaited final between the Exiles and Yorkshire Carnegie to decide who will return to the Premiership.
15. Paul Jarvis – Doncaster
The Knights star has been devastating in counter attack, giving his side an undeniable edge on their way to their second consecutive play-offs. Tommy Bell and Peter Lydon's metronomic boots for London Irish and London Scottish also deserve a mention.
14. Joe Cokanasiga, right – London Irish
What a season the big teenage wing has had. He made his senior debut in October and has never looked back, scoring tries for fun including a contender for try of the season against London Scottish on his league debut. No wonder he's caught the eye of Eddie Jones. Honourable mention to sharp-shooter Dougie Flockhart from Doncaster too.
13. Asaeli Tikoirotuma – London Irish
He struggled to showcase his talent since moving to England in 2014 but he has come into his own this season. The Fijian's x-factor with ball in hand proved too much to handle for most defences in the second tier. Fellow Islander Andrew Bulumakau from Doncaster and Scottish's Robbie Ferguson pushed him hard for the shirt though.
12. Joe Munro – Ealing Trailfinders
The giant 6ft 5in centre ran hard all season but he's getting the nod here because of his soft hands and distribution skills. Despite a difficult season for Rotherham, captain Will Owen carried strongly and so did Fergus Mulchrone for London Irish.
11. Tyson Lewis – Doncaster
Devastating pace and excellent balance mean the best finisher in the league this season (14 tries) has no match when it comes to finding the line. Jason Harries has been devastating for London Scottish and so was Bedford's Dean Adamson.
10. James Marshall – London Irish
Leading the all-conquering London Irish attack, Marshall oozed class all season and was the perfect general. A host of standout displays glittered but it's the way he, well, marshalled the troops that give him the No.10 ahead of Joe Ford and Laurence May.
9. Sam Stuart – Richmond
He took a step down from the Premiership but he'll be back next season, having secured a move to Newcastle. Stuart was brilliant at maintaining Richmond's high tempo which puts him ahead of Scott Steele of Irish.
1. Lewis Boyce, left – Yorkshire Carnegie
The last of the great young Carnegie front row to get his Premiership ticket, but the former England U20s bruiser will join Jack Walker and Paul Hill in the top league next season as he's off to Harlequins. Hugely destructive young prop and full of experience despite being only 20. Amateur Tim Walford was outstanding for Richmond against seasoned pros.
2. Phil Nilsen – Yorkshire Carnegie
Sharp arrows, strong scrummaging and mobile in the loose is all you can wish for from the modern hooker these days and Nilsen ticks all the boxes. Alun Walker was also brilliant for Ealing Trailfinders spearheading their charge to the semi-finals.
3. Ben Franks – London Irish
The two-time World Cup winner decided to stay at London Irish and play in the Championship after a first season crippled by injuries. He was the rock of the scrum giving many looseheads a lot more than they could chew. Carnegie's Rob O'Donnell and Jersey's Simon Kerrod have been brilliant all season too.
4. Will Warden – Richmond
Richmond defied the odds to avoid finishing bottom and their captain never took a step back. Passion and pride go a long way in the engine room and Warden is full of it. His partner Matt Corker brought vital experience and deserved a shout.
5. Pierce Phillips – Jersey Reds
The second Jersey tight five forward to be picked up by Worcester after a sensational season. Phillips was the driving force of the Islanders' pack in a similar block-busting role as Sebastien de Chaves at London Irish and Glen Young with Doncaster.
6. Jack Ram – Doncaster
The Tongan star has made an instant impact at the Knights since joining in December. His lethal mix of size and power make the outstanding flanker the best forward in the league by a mile. Kieran Murphy also had a strong season despite a Christmas move from London Welsh to Ealing.
7. Blair Cowan – London Irish
Another Test star who decided to stay in Sunbury and help London Irish build a stable future from a season in the Championship. No one could match him at the breakdown, apart from maybe the all-action Jack Allcock from Richmond. Ryan Hodson was brilliant for London Welsh before Christmas and is worthy of a mention.
8. Ryan Burrows, above – Yorkshire Carnegie
Carnegie's player of the season for the second year running and it's no wonder. A great leader in their route to the final but, maybe more importantly, a brilliant ball carrier from the back of the scrum and someone his team gets behind. The ever-green Mark Bright (Ealing Trailfinders) and Cornish Pirates' Tom Duncan weren't bad either.