5. Harry Thacker – Bristol Bears
The Bristol Bears hooker is amongst the most overlooked players in the Premiership, and deserves a place amongst the squad, for the Rugby World Cup warm-up matches this Summer. Just this past weekend, Thacker recently got a taste for the bright lights of Twickenham Stadium, as the hooker ran out for Eddie Jones’ Barbarians, in the thrilling 48-42 victory over the World XV.
Thacker lined up against his soon to be former Bristol Bears teammates, Semi Radradra and Charles Piutau in the exciting 14-try exhibition match at Twickenham. The Bristol Bears star certainly knows where the try-line is, as he scored 11 tries throughout the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season, the fourth highest of any player.
This sets Thacker apart as the highest scoring hooker in the league, and he could well be a solid choice to add squad depth in the number two jersey. Thacker also leads the scoring charts for any forward in the Gallagher Premiership this season, with Bath’s Tom Dunn the second highest with 10 tries. It is a shock to see Thacker overlooked for an England call-up for so long, yet the 29-year-old has previously received international recognition at age group level.
In 2014, Thacker made five appearances and scored four tries for the England U20s side, yet was unable to press on for a full England call-up. A powerful line runner with deceptive pace, Thacker combines physical ability with impressive passing, and the wherewithal to make the correct decision in attack. Included in the Guardian’s Team of the Year for the 2018/19 Premiership season, Thacker is fully deserving of an England cap, and the upcoming Summer could see him make his long awaited run out in an England shirt.