DREAMTEAM

ROBIN HISLOP, THE EDINBURGH AND FORMER ROTHERHAM TITANS, DONCASTER KNIGHTS, SARACENS AND WASPS PROP, SELECTS THE BEST XV HE HAS PLAYED WITH OR AGAINST…

1. Allan Jacobsen – Coming through at Edinburgh, ‘Chunk’ was brilliant with me as a proper old-school prop and Scottish legend. Took time to help younger lads and set standards on and off the pitch.

2. Tom Cruse – Massive respect for how he did it going from National Leagues up to 100-plus Premiership games. Quality arrows, great round the park when we were at Rotherham together. Now flying in coaching with Bedford and Worcester.

3. Will Collier – Faced him first at U20s and later plenty in the Premiership. Massively underrated but the best scrummaging tight-head I came up against – never a day I enjoyed against Harlequins because of him.

4. Grant Gilchrist – We came through the Edinburgh academy together. Nothing flashy, just relentless consistency. Does his job week in, week out and that’s built a seriously impressive career.

5. Perry John Parker – Shared changing rooms at Edinburgh and Rotherham. Endless energy: could scrum and maul all day. Proper character too, guaranteed to keep the squad entertained.

6. Jack Willis – Played alongside a proper competitor at Wasps. Calls things out, demands standards and drives everyone. Breakdown menace and now absolutely tearing it up at Toulouse.

7. Hamish Watson Annoyingly good at everything; ridiculously fit, freakishly strong and hates losing. Seeing his career unfold from close quarters at Edinburgh has been seriously impressive.

8. Ben Earl – Another freak athlete: lightning quick, massively physical and reads the game so well. Great communicator in huddles and class to have on your side at Saracens.

9. Dan Robson – One of the best nines I played with. Sharp rugby brain, full skillset and ran the game brilliantly at Wasps, plus he would definitely organise some strong socials.

10. Finn Russell – We played Scotland U20s together when he was still working as a stonemason. Same laid-back character then, smiling, relaxed– it’s been incredible seeing him become world class.

11. Josh Bassett – Unbelievable energy every day at Wasps. He lifts squads constantly and backs it up with performances. Deserved more England recognition for the consistency he’s shown.

12. Owen Farrell – Most competitive player I’ve ever shared a pitch with. Wanted to win everything – games, training, extras. Drove standards relentlessly and brilliant to play alongside at Saracens.

13. Brian O’Driscoll – Faced him young at Edinburgh against Leinster. Caught him wrong side of a ruck and took my chance. He gave me a proper mouthful after, I was buzzing.

14. Zack Kibirige – Top-class finisher and great team-mate at Wasps. Would lead the socials but somehow get every plan wrong. Now scoring worldies in Biarritz.

15. Sean Scanlon – Played together across Champ circuits at Rotherham and Donny. Knew the game inside out, unbelievably reliable.