RAMS trio Max Hayman, James Baker and Zach Clow have been named in The Rugby Paper’s National One Dream Team following the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Selected by Ben Jaycock on the back of advice from reporters at each club, nine sides were represented with champions Richmond leading the way with four.
Writing about Clow, the paper said: “An ever-present for the Berkshire men and their leading scorer with 17 tries, including braces against Darlington and Leicester Lions, he enjoyed a fine campaign from 15.
“Consistency of selection in the back three, having played in every game for Rams, nudges him ahead of Richmond’s Callum Grieve, Rosslyn Park’s Joe Luca Smith and Plymouth’s versatile duo of Tom Putt and Craig Duncan.”
Army ace Solodrau Radianirova – who scored for the Red Shirts in their 37-33 defeat to Royal Navy at Twickenham on Saturday – received votes for the outside centre jersey, Birmingham Moseley’s Aquile Smith selected, while Hayman was described as: “A great leader, regular try-scorer, accurate darts and someone who gets round the park. He is the ideal hooker.
“Despite missing a chunk of the season, he remained top of the votes with reporters recognising his brilliance – when he was unavailable, he was sorely missed by Rams.
“Blackheath’s Billy Harding proved prolific from the maul, skippered at times and was also lively round the park.”
Like the captain, Baker retained his place from last year, with the paper commenting: “Still no signs of letting up in his 22nd first-team season at Old Bath Road.
“Destructive as ever at the scrum, made line breaks and looked fitter and stronger than ever.
“Multiple voters said Baker was the best scrummager their team had encountered, which says it all, really.
“Rotherham’s Andrew Foster also enjoyed a standout season.”
While missing out to Richmond duo Jake Monson and George Nugent in the second row, Rams’ Dan Swain was hailed as ‘a colossus’, with Tom Vooght mentioned alongside Leicester Lions’ open-side Johnny Murdoch before the open-side flanker shirt went to the champions’ Harlequins loanee Lucas Schmid.
The Londoners’ final player was outstanding No. 8 Sam Pim, with Rotherham Titans loose-head Charlie Capps and Bishop’s Stortford blind-side Harrison Langworthy completing the pack.
Jordan Burns of Blackheath and Rosslyn Park stand-off Josh Bragman were paired at half-back, with the league’s top points-scorer, Rotherham’s Lloyd Hayes, outside them.
Completing the team were leading try-scorer, Sedgley Park’s Rhys Henderson, and Sale’s pocked rocket Tom Walsh.
Rams host their end-of-season awards night at Old Bath Road on Saturday.
