“Hardman and legendary drinker” – Joe Marler ranks his five toughest rugby players

The England prop named his dream fighting five-a-side team made up of his former colleagues, including a few international teammates.

Marler said: "I love sappy, negative drinking sessions, and you're always guaranteed that with old Colar Bear. He has a sensible head and is a great mind reader too. When I went AWOL in Japan at the end of the World Cup, he tracked me down..."

Marler said: "No drinking team would be complete without Hask. He holds court like no other I know, and even though you've heard his stories a millions times before he tells them so well."

Marler said: "Richards was Director of Rugby at Harlequins, but he wasn't just that. He was also a hard man and legendary drinker of the amateur age."

Marler said: "My Idol - I still pinch myself when I'm in his company. A juggernaut on the pitch and a legendary drinker and socialiser off it."

Marler said: "I played against him when he was at Newcastle and he basically Would knock **ing s**t outta ya for 80 minutes. It was like play against a prop with the fitness levels of a flanker.”