Dream Team with Christian Day

Christian Day, The RPA head of player affairs and former Sale, Stade Francais & Northampton lock chooses the best XV he has played with or against…

1. Soane Tonga'uiha – An absolute mountain of a man who when in his leanest and meanest shape was simply devastating with ball in hand. Fast, strong, 140kg and a set of soft hands. The Tongan running down the hill at Franklin's Gardens must have been a terrible sight for opposition defences. Invented the sneaky pick.

2. Dylan Hartley – Igot to witness the transition from bad boy of rugby to 90-cap England international first hand. A powerful and charismatic leader who could hold a room of professional athletes' attention like few others. Very strong in the set-piece, but could carry and distribute with the best of them. Very high rugby IQ as can be seen in his seamless transition into being one of the best rugby pundits currently on television.

3. Sylvain Marconnet – An old-school French prop who would maul and brawl with the best of them. He could also throw a 20m miss pass off of his wrong hand without missing a beat.

4. Courtney Lawes – Worldclass player who is probably more at home at 6 these days than 2nd row. One of the best defenders I have ever seen coupled with elite lineout prowess. Later in his career he has added handling and carrying abilities to make him first choice at 6 for England and a two-time British & Irish Lion.

5. Samu Manoa – When he arrived at Saints I somewhat unfairly labelled him “The Freak”. But I was right! A 6ft 4ins, 19st 7lbs human who could run as fast as a back, who hit like an NFL line-backer and had the hands of a basketball centre. He was an absolute menace. Will never forget the force of impact on Julian Salvi in the West Midlands derby at Franklin's Gardens under the lights. A one-man highlight reel.

6. Jason White – Big Tam. Had an incredible ability to “get horizontal” in the tackle and absolutely level people. Nice guy off of the pitch, but a physical enforcer on it. Never, ever took a backwards step.

7. Tom Wood – Graft personified. Tough as old boots. Loved a grumble. Athletic at lineout and restart. The kind of player who allows everyone else to perform.

8. Sergio Parisse – Genuinely skilful enough to play 10 at the top professional level. Incredibly charismatic, but possessed a hard edge that let you know he wasn't to be messed with. He could do it all.

9. Richard Wigglesworth – His record speaks for itself. Over 400 professional games. 33 England caps. 10 major trophies across three clubs. Professional winner.

10. Stephen Myler – Another whose record speaks for itself. “The Iceman”. Ice cold. No mistakes. Metronomic goal kicker. Irritatingly good at every sport he participates in. Horribly underrated and should have had more caps for England.

11. George North – Another physical freak who was express fast. An absolute manchild. Could change a game in an instant. Also my personal nemesis.

12. Brian Liebenberg – Hit like a hammer, unbelievably skilful with a boot like a siege mortar. Won league and European titles at Stade Francais and a good few French caps too. Lovely guy.

13. Rob Horne – Such a talented player and a great bloke off of the field. Defensively outstanding at 13 and hit clever lines in attack with pace and skill. Horrible injury cut him short at Saints.

14. Jason Robinson – “Billy Whizz” could step you twice in a phone booth. Pound-forpound the most explosive player I've seen and had a ruthless edge to go with it.

15. Ben Foden – Pop Idol. The most laidback player you will ever find. Bizarrely strong considering his aversion to the gym and deceptively fast. Rarely ever missed a one-on-one tackle and made a habit of pulling off big moments in big games.