The 1st XV
Props
Strong, reliable fellows who engage with the opposition and will prop up their nearest team-mate
1 Loose-head prop: James Moran (Winkworth)
‘This broad-shouldered individual looks opponents straight in the eye.’
3 Tight-head prop: Anthony Coaker (Savills)
‘Dependable professional whose hard work is often unseen.’
Hooker
When not locking horns with the opposition, his job is to win possession at set-piece occasions
2 Hooker: James Grillo (Chesterton Humberts)
‘A tenacious terrier, solid under pressure, who’s happy to get down and dirty to ensure a deal goes through.’
Second-row
forwards
High risers who soar in the lineout
4 and 5 Locks: Stephan Miles-Brown and Justin Gaze (both Knight Frank)
‘These two pillars-in status if not stature-are vital in the lineout jungle that is the pitches for new business.’
Back-row
forwards
Always looking to break off from the pack, perpetually on the move
6 Blind-side flanker: Tim Garbett (Knight Frank)
‘A big fellow who’d be jolly polite once he’d flattened you, and won’t let opponents blindside him.’
7 Open-side flanker: Crispin Holborow (Savills)
‘Inspires the team with his industriousness and enthusiasm. He hates losing more than he loves winning.’
8 Number Eight: James Mackenzie (Strutt & Parker)
‘Always on the move looking for opportunities, and happy to break from the pack to score some imaginative tries.’
Half-backs
They dart about linking the two parts of the team, tacticians who think on their feet and take a punt when necessary. Also entrusted with the conversions.
9 Scrum half: Rupert Sweeting (Knight Frank)
‘As all good scrum halves do, this energetic linkman between head office and the country offices pulls together two diverse parts of the set-up and ensures the team’s strategy is fulfilled.’
10 Fly half: Frank Speir (Prime Purchase)
‘An untrained natural talent that the opposition finds hard to read. On occasion, not even he knows what he’ll do or say next.’
Centre three-quarters
Their key role is to tackle problems head on, hold firm under pressure, and locate and then utilise space.
12 Inside centre: Hugh Dunsmore-Hardy (Winkworth)
‘Never known to miss a tackle, he stands firm in tough situations.’
13 Outside centre: Ran Morgan (Knight Frank)
‘Shows all the dazzling footwork of the great Scottish three-quarters.’
Wing three-quarters
Used to outpacing their opponents, taking the direct route and working by the touchline.
11 Left wing: Luke Brady (Savills)
‘Quick, flashy player who works close to the line, new to first-team rugby and set to be around for a long time yet.’
14 Right wing: Mark Charter (Carter Jonas)
‘Never flustered under pressure. Each season, he comes good with several important tries that are often game-changers.’
Full back
The last line of defence, who needs to judge when to join the attack and when to defend.
15 Full back: Justin Marking (Savills)
‘The guy the team turns to when all else has failed. Also a diplomat.’
The benchmen
Some potentials, to add pep and inspiration for flagging bodies and spirits.
Prop Mark Osborne (JM Osborne & Co)
‘A brutal opponent in a deal if he gets knocked down, he only ever comes back harder. Generally forgives the opposition in the bar afterwards, but he just drinks halves. They’re the only half measures he’s interested in.’
Hooker Andrew Macpherson (CKD Kennedy Macpherson)
‘Ruthless and fearless. Loves to lock horns, and beware if he loses out to the competition.’
Lock John Denney (Hamptons International)
‘Enjoys the high life and being in the foreground.’
Scrum half Tim Dansie (Jackson-Stops & Staff)
‘Good at navigating obstacles and jinking a way forward.’
Fly half Alex Oppenheim (John D. Wood & Co)
‘Known for holding firm under pressure, as well as reading tricky situations perfectly’
Centre Ed Cunningham (Knight Frank)
‘Fleet of foot, and always opts for the inside line. His strong fan base (especially female) should ensure that the turnstiles keep clicking.’
Full back John Young (Chesterton Humberts)
‘Cool under pressure, sees the whole game and always make the right choice for his team.’
The coaching team
Manager Mark Wiggin (Strutt & Parker)
‘This ultimate motivator, with endless energy, he knows the ins and outs of all the competition and is someone everyone would play for.’
Chief scout Michael de Pelet (Knight Frank)
‘Always likes holding the trophy, and is a master tactician who knows everybody worth knowing on his home patch.’
Coach Richard Gaynor (Savills)
‘The whole team likes him-he’s seen every single trick in the book, knows the other players inside out and is keen to bring on young players.’
The officials
Referee Penny Churchill (Country Life)
‘Known and respected by all sides, she has a reputation for always being able to grasp the bigger picture, but simultaneously has a knack of spotting the small important details and making impartial judgments between competing parties.’
Touch Judge Mark McAndrew (Strutt & Parker)
‘No one loves measuring the boundaries more than him. He has a superb eye for detail, and can be relied on always to ensure fair play.’
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