Dream Team: Bedford Blues winger Elijah Niko

ELIJAH NIKO, THE BEDFORD AND FORMER PAU, YORKSHIRE CARNEGIE AND EALING WINGER, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST

1. Euan Murray –A great scrummager and a tough player. Off the field he was a real gentleman for the team. I respected the fact he refused to play on a Sunday because of his beliefs.

2. Alun Walker – He is the most under-rated player around. He has got skills for a hooker, is always a consistent performer for Ealing and definitely knows how to score tries.

3. Ben Tameifuna – He is an absolute unit but he can carry his size really well. A big presence on the field in every respect.

4. Maro Itoje – Played against him recently and, from A-Z, he's superb. For me, he is the best lock in the world.

5. Sebastien Chabal –I was unfortunate/fortunate enough to play against him in his last season of pro rugby when he was at Lyon. Every time he touched the ball, he ignited the crowd. A special player.

6. Jordy Reid – One of the toughest, bravest players I have played with. Every time he played, he always put his body on the line and gave 100 per cent.

7. Joe Atkinson – My team-mate at the Blues. I think he's been in five Championship Team of the Weeks this season. Could play in the backs if he wanted to; he is so quick and his footwork is unbelievable.

8. Henry Tuilagi – A massively respected figure in the Samoan community. A big, powerful runner and really intimidating to come up against.

9. Craig Hampson – I've picked him for his rugby IQ. He reads the game incredibly well and people don't realise how physically strong he is. His fitness is unbelievable too. One player you love to play with but not against.

10. Jacob Umaga – He had a loan spell while I was at Carnegie. Has got tonnes of talent and is a player of the future.

11. Josua Tuisova – The most powerful winger in world rugby today. He will either run around you or through you; he takes explosiveness to a whole new level.

12. Levani Botia – I will never forget when he singlehandedly destroyed us (Pau) in the Top 14. He scored two tries and absolutely annihilated us. It still haunts me to this day.

13. Conrad Smith – The epitome of what a centre should be. Has real leadership qualities and is so consistent. It was a real honour to play with him at Pau.

14. Sireli Bobo – If there is one Fijian winger who holds the title for speed, it is definitely him. Every time he ran with the ball, you'd just look on with amazement at his long strides and his ability to hold the ball in one hand.

15. Rich Lane – Naturally talented player who can create something out of nothing. Also one of the safest guys under the high ball at Bedford.

Photo: Gareth Lyons