5. Jacques Burger
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The hard-as-nails former Namibian skipper helped Saracens become the most feared defensive unit in Europe. When you consider he also overcame knee surgery that would have made a rhino wince, his strength of character was almost superhuman. For his performance in Saracens’ famous 46-6 win over Clermont in a European semi-final alone, he deserves his place in the top five on this roll of honour.
4. Geordan Murphy
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Murphy, who made his Tigers debut in 1997, played in seven Premiership-winning teams and won two Heineken Cup finals. The fullback was one of the most outstanding players in the history of Premiership rugby. He won 72 caps for Ireland, two Test caps for the Lions and has scored 691 points, including 93 tries, in Leicester colours.
3. Trevor Leota
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Warren Gatland rated Leota as the best hooker in the world on his day. The powerhouse
2. Marcos Ayerza
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The enigmatic prop is one of the greatest players in Leicester Tigers history and proved the catalyst for their Premiership dominance. The Argentine, despite being an established international, signed his first-ever professional contract with Tigers, but few would have imagined he’d be a stalwart at the club for over a decade, making 246 appearances and winning four Premiership titles.
1. Schalk Brits
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When he retires at the end of this season, Schalk Brits deserves to be acclaimed as the greatest import in the history of the Premiership. He is that good. Joining the club in 2009, the South African hooker has helped to redefine the role of the hooker with his pragmatic style of play, making over 200 appearances for the club, winning a heap of trophies.