"I'd agree with that. The only other option would be Sebastien Chabal. He was probably the first person we idolised as Sale supporters when we moved to the North West. I think Tom is trying to emulate his hair at the minute actually."
Andrew Brace has been reassigned for next week's Heineken Champions Cup action after he received a torrent of social media abuse.
The 32-year old official was reportedly tagged in a number of derogatory posts on Twitter, while some even allegedly posted disparaging remarks alongside the obituary of his late father.
European rugby bosses have subsequently decided it would not be appropriate for Brace to take charge of the game being staged in France on Sunday week. Mike Adamson is now set to take his place.
The European chiefs stressed, however, they rated the Welshman as "a highly-talented match official" and that this action was being taken for his own good.
Fans were disgusted by the whole situation. Here's what some have had to say on Twitter:
Curry twins pick their sensational all-time back-row
Blindside-flanker: Richard Hill (England)
The flanker was “first on the team-sheet,” according to Martin Johnson and Sir Clive Woodward. Praised by Jeremy Guscott for his “work rate”, it is no wonder the forward scored so many points.
TC:
"I have to go Hilly. As a mentor growing up from 15 he has to be in our team. His reputation and how good he was as a player, I think he'd be really fun to play with."
Openside-flanker: David Pocock (Australia)
The Zimbabwe-born flanker, who was capped 83 times over an 11-year period, hung up his boots earlier this year following a stellar career.
BC: "Watching him a lot, he's probably the person I've tried to emulate most. Also not just as a player, I'd love to have been around him as a bloke during his training regime. It always looked intense."
TC: "An incredible player."
Number 8: Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
An integral part of the World Cup-winning squad 13 years ago. His commitment to the badge is also shown at club level, with 227 appearances for Wasps.
TC:"Dallaglio was a big player for us growing up and our Dad loved him. His ability at eight and his physical carrying I think would make this back-row really exciting. Probably a bit of a boring answer."
Following some horrific online abuse directed at one of Ireland's top referees Andrew Brace, he has been stood down for the Toulouse-Exeter Champions Cup tie
👉 ow.ly/jL1W50CI4RX
Personal abuse is wrong. For Andrew Brace to be judged a highly talented referee perhaps is an indication of why there seems to be so much confusion both on and off the field.
For a game that brings me so much joy I wasn’t proud to be a rugby fan this week.
The abuse @SimonZebo received for simply speaking out against World Rugby’s poor response to racism infuriated me and now Andrew Brace has been forced out of a game by the same behaviour.
Livid.