Tom Cruse, The Edinburgh and former Wasps, London Irish, Rotherham & Macclesfield hooker chooses the best XV he has played with or against…
1. Robin “Bomber” Hislop – Gets the best out of the people around him. Extremely driven and ambitious. He's an all-in type of person, which is shown by the way he tackles. A horrible dancer, only knows the lyrics to one song and owns some of the worst clothes in England.
2. David Paice – Iunder-appreciated just how good he was at my time at Irish. A tough man, great skill set and a club legend. Wish I would have picked his brain more.
3. Jake Cooper-Woolley – Iplayed with some great tightheads and Coops was probably the most aggressive in the scrum. He also chipped in with the odd try. Horribly nervous before games, an absolute perfectionist.
4. Will Rowlands – Love seeing him playing for Wales. Took it upon himself to improve his rugby to match his physical attributes and has become a regular international starter. Poshest man I know.
5. Joe Launchbury – Big influence on me on and off the pitch, he knows what to say and when to say it. Amazing person and an amazing leader. 70 caps, one of the best locks to play for England. Great nickname too – Diesel.
6. Jack Willis – Inspiring person to be around, there's no quit in him. Renowned for his jackalling but is a great carrier. Pothole after a beer, needs a bib.
7. Thomas Young – One of the best athletes I have played with, and has an amazing brain on him about all things rugby, definitely not anything else. Annoyingly good, meaning we couldn't give him much stick about his dad picking him every week!
8. Alex Rieder – Means I don't have to pick between Alfie Barbeary or Tom Willis! Forced to retire early through injury, now blagging his way through a life in the City. ‘Chimpy Pig' was one of the best ball carriers I played with.
9. Dan Robson – What a player, there's not much he can't do. Instrumental in getting Wasps to two finals. A big influence on and off the pitch and the second quickest WKD at Wasps behind yours truly.
10. Danny Cipriani – Most skilful player I've played with. Confidence to try things other players haven't even z Wade z thought of. Loved playing with him, made it easier for everyone around him.
11. Josh Bassett – Any excuse to get his top off. Wasps legend, hurt him more than anyone to see the recent events. A leader on and off the pitch, knows the owner of every bar in England.
12. Jimmy Gopperth – The GOAT. Infectious energy, in great shape and still doing it at the top. Will be found on the dance floor ‘til closing, probably with a confetti cannon.
13. Elliot Daly – So competitive and good at everything! Drives energy and has incredible standards which is why his career has been what it is. Backs it up on a night out, always at the bar. Bit of a 2005 Freddie Flintoff. Great all-rounder.
14. Christian Wade – Box office and so fun to play with! A great character around the club, he has the same time for everybody. Scarily good athlete, and looks to have got himself going again at Racing.
15. Willie Le Roux – Best player I've played with. Got the calmness and confidence every world-class playmaker seems to have. Ultra-competitive and good company too.
