Dream Team with Simon Uzokwe

Simon Uzokwe, the Ealing Trailfinders and former Newcastle Falcons back row, chooses the best XV he has played with or against

1. Sam Lockwood – Was really close between him and big Logovi'i Mulipola, but have to give it to Sam for the amount of work he got through. Was always high on the tackle count at Falcons.

  2. Matt Thompson – Was a 50/50 between Matt and Alun Walker. Both incredibly consistent with their arrows and could both do a job at tighthead but I've gone for my former teammate at Newcastle. Jamie Blamire also deserves a mention!

3. Jon Welsh – Another 50/50 between big Jon and Rodney Ah You. Rodney might be the most powerful player I've ever come across, but I have to pick my former teammate at Newcastle who thinks he can chip and chase past Anthony Watson.

4. Bobby De Wee – Never met a man that enjoys the gym and biceps curls as much as Bobby. Made a huge impact as soon as he joined Ealing and I'm glad I don't have to play against him.

5. Maro Itoje – World class! Would be frightening having him paired up with Bobby. Was a different level when we played against Sarries in the Championship final.

6. Mark Wilson – Really hard to pick between Wils and Will Welch. Learned a lot from both of them while up at Falcons and was over the moon to see Wils do so well for England.

7. Guy Thompson – One of the funniest guys I have ever come across. Big Manchester United fan like myself and was incredible for me and my development while he was with us at Ealing. Loves a turnover as well as a drop-goal shootout before training.

8. Billy Vunipola – Incredibly hard man to stop as I found out while Sarries were in the Championship. Can run straight through you or sidestep you which makes him even harder to defend.

9. Sonatane Takulua – Biggest calves in world rugby for sure. Craig Hampson is class and drives the standards at training here at Ealing, but Tane used to bounce boys for fun as well as slot conversions for us at Falcons and can't leave him out.

10. Owen Farrell – Been lucky to have played with quality 10s in Steven Shingler, Craig Willis, Toby Flood and Brett Connon. However, Owen was unplayable against us during Sarries' stint in the Champ. Ran the show incredibly well.

11. Sinoti Sinoti – Another player who could bounce you or step you. Also one of the nicest blokes in rugby and always had time for me while I was coming through the academy at Newcastle.

12. Pat Howard – You're guaranteed gain line when Pat is at 12. At Ealing we tend to shout at him “just carry” whenever he gets the ball off first phase. Not bad at ping pong too.

13. Chris Harris – One of the best defenders I've played with. Great bloke off the pitch and great to see how well he's done since moving to Gloucester.

14. Niki Goneva – Ifound it so hard to leave out Adam Radwan, but I had to go with Niki. Between him and Sinoti, they provided so many X-factor moments that helped Falcons get to a Premiership semi final.

15. Jonah Holmes – We're two games into the season and I reckon he's beaten at least 15 defenders. Unbelievable athlete and a lot of what he does genuinely looks effortless. Incredibly funny with some very good stories as well.