5. Will Welch (Newcastle Falcons)
Back-row forward Will Welch became the Falcons youngest ever club captain in 2012 when, at the age of 22, he took on the leadership role. Skippering the side to the Championship title in his first season he has since led them in the Premiership, where his tireless work ethic and relentless tackling have marked him as a stand-out performer.