I asked Stuart for a list of those who had played 1,000 minutes or over from the maximum permissible of 1,760 which seemed like a pretty decent benchmark and 77 players made that cut-off point.
These are the players we see most weeks and it would be an interesting exercise one season to select a Premiership XV from those who played the most moments, those at the very heart of the League who are often the unsung heroes.
Who were the stalwarts who serve their club week in week out, which overseas players provide the best bang for their buck, which positions only put in a half shift most weeks? Who seems immune to serious injury and those niggles that result in late withdrawals on match day and who is good at avoiding red cards and bans!
First a hat tip to the real hard men of the League starting with the London Irish duo of Benhard Janse van Rensburg (1,587 mins) and Paddy Jackson (1,580) who finished top of the pile. Both started 20 of the 22 games. Both were on the pitch for 90 per cent plus of the season. “Overseas” players who gave outstanding value for money to the Exiles.
Denne historien er fra May 14, 2023-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra May 14, 2023-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
