Northampton Saints: Tom Pearson
The 23-year-old was a key cog in the Exiles wheel throughout 2022/23, with his performances helping Irish to a fifth-placed finish, their highest since 2008/09.
Pearson made 235 tackles in 2022/23 – only Northampton Saints’ Alex Moon made more across the league – and was also in the top three for turnovers won (21).
Pearson’s performances have put him firmly in the World Cup conversation and he has had conversations with England head coach Steve Borthwick surrounding his ambitions.
“It’s tough, the amount of quality sevens in the league is very high,” he said.
“I have just got to do what I can, do what is asked of me for that level of game. It is me against me, that’s how I see it.
“He [Borthwick] is looking for an openside [flanker] with a high level of work rate, that’s something I am trying to work on and put forward to him and the other coaches.
“You have just got to have a little bit of confidence and play out of your own ability sometimes. It is very easy to stay in the system and do what you are told, but if you can get out of the system in a way that is going to benefit the team, that’s very important.”
