Dream Team – Rory Bartle

RORY BARTLE, THE FORMER NORTH OTAGO, LONDON SCOTTISH, JERSEY REDS, GLOUCESTER & WALES U20S LOCK, CHOOSES THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST…

1. Jake Woolmore – Talisman of the most dominant scrummaging front row the Championship will ever see. He also gets through an exceptional amount of work and rarely makes a mistake. What more could you want from a prop?

2. George Turner – When I hear people talk of players having “no regard for their own body” he’s the first person that comes to mind. Absolutely fearless in contact while still being reliable at the lineout. Had a brief spell at London Scottish on his way to the top.

3. Meli Kolinisau – The most inconspicuous selection in the team, Meli is the Fijian-born plumber from Oamaru who redefined my understanding of ‘natural strength’. Were he to have had the right opportunities I’ve no doubt he’d be an internationally recognised tighthead.

4. Max Douglas – Now playing in Japan. I was fortunate to play with Max while he was dual registered to Manly and the Waratahs. Worldclass skill and dynamism in the lineout while also punching above his weight in contact.

5. Joe Batley – Despite a turbulent history of injuries and illnesses that would’ve forced many a man to call it quits, Bats is making a huge impact in the Premiership with Bristol. It’s testament to the calibre of man and player he is!

6. Kyle Hatherell – Even the best laid plans will crumble if a side fail to dominate the grainline. For me, there’s no and we’re really excited. better man to ensure that doesn’t happen than Big Kyle, a team-mate at Jersey.

7. Lewis Wynn – One of two members of the team I’d describe as a “purists” rugby player. Always makes good decisions, incredibly accurate and proficient in every aspect of the game. Another ex-Jersey Reds player.

8. Mark Bright – I played alongside Brighty at London Scottish in 2015. Nothing has ever motivated me quite like being overtaken on a kick chase or sidestepped by a man literally twice my age. His elusiveness and offloading is still the best I’ve ever seen.

9. Kieran Hardy – Perhaps the best athlete I’ve ever played with along with the skills to match. His speed mixed with the hang time he gets on a ball means he could probably chase his own box kicks. Another that went on to do great things after a spell at Jersey.

10. Aaron Penberthy – An outside half with exceptionally high rugby IQ and the skillset to execute. Fundamentally he keeps his forwards going forward which ensures any 10 a place in my team.

11. Leroy Van Dam – I suspect his deceiving appearance worked in his favour because defenders underestimated just how dangerous he was. He got us out of some sticky situations at Jersey more than a few times.

12. ‘Kuki Ma’afu – Undoubtedly the toughest man I’ve ever stepped onto a field with – with Jersey or anyone. He demanded respect by playing every game with an intensity that few players will ever match outside of a Cup final.

13. Robbie Ferguson – The second of the “purists” players, there never seemed to be anything that Bob couldn’t do. He was also a prolific try-scorer and an exceptional leader at Scottish, as is evident by his current success with Great Britain 7s.

14. Jason Harries – A big winger, previously with Scottish, who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. Jason would always embrace the hard work, whether it was coming into the midfield or chasing kicks. He also folds people in defence which is a nice added extra.

15. Dan Fish – During a brief stint with Cardiff RFC, I watched this man dominate a kick battle so convincingly the opposition back three were asking to be subbed off. Were he to have had an athletic bone in his body he may well have played for Wales.