Picking 15 Footballers who could play rugby

With both the rugby and football season coming to a close we've decided to build a XV together of footballers who, with the right training and some extra aggression, could give rugby decent go.

We're have obviously based our selections on the qualities required for each position and what positions would fit them best. 

Also we only picked players who are still actively playing, sorry Pirlo.

1. Adebayo Akinfenwa

Not your usual footballer, Akinfenwa is built like a front rower and he has the longevity of one too as he continues to ply his trade as a striker for Wycombe Wanderers F.C. in the third tier of English football at the age of 37.

2. Wayne Rooney

Angry, confrontational, strong with a mix of pace skill and vision, Rooney would fit right in with some of the best modern-day hookers.

The former Manchester United, now plying his trade in DC, is also known for his outstanding set pieces and aggressive nature.

3. Giorgio Chiellini

Props generally do the dirty work most don't and get stuck right into the game. Italy's Chiellini fits the bill as a tighthead, like many of his fellow countrymen in the same position, he is also extremely physical and wouldn't back down from a bit of confrontation.

4. Virgil van Dijk

The type of colossus you need in the second rower. Van Dyk is tall and is a dominating presence who will work hard for his side and like Chiellini he won't back down from the physical approach of the game. 

He would be a good option in the lineout and would deliver consistent performances.

5.  Matthijs de Ligt

The man we would entrust with running our lineout. Ajax's superstar lead his side in an outstanding Champions League campaign despite being just 19-years-old.

On the football pitch, he is outstanding in the air and we would expect that kind of skill to transfer into the lineout. Seems to remind us of the likes of Maro Itoje and James Ryan.

6.Sergio Ramos

A hard man on the side of the scrum with a mix of aggression and a bit of thuggery. Ramos often clatters into attackers on the football pitch and is likely to rack up the tackle stats on the rugby pitch. 

He will do whatever he can to get his side on the winning end of the result which could quite easily see him being sent off or coming up with a winning play, perfect fit really. 

7. Vincent Kompany

An incredibly intelligent player that is also quite physical. We would back Kompany to work out the dark arts of the breakdown and grab turnovers regularly.

Another potential captain in our side and shares a number of qualities with All Black great Richie McCaw.

8. Paul Pogba

One of the most technically demanding positions on the field, Paul Pogba could fill the 8 jersey in the same manner that Kieran Read does.

He has a whole bag of tricks as a footballer and could carry those onto the rugby pitch. He is a tall player making him a nice option at the lineout, he has some pace to exploit gaps out wide and we would back him to get some nice offloads away.

9. Lionel Messi

A cool head with an array of tricks up his sleeve. If there is a gap around the fringes of the ruck you'd expect Messi to exploit it. 

Messi also fits the bill when it comes to size as he will be the smallest man of the pitch and will likely control the game from no.9.

His ability to kick with both feet will certainly do him no harm.

10. Kevin De Bruyne

A tactical genius and a player always looking to put his teammates into a better position. The Belgian is the kind of director that you want dictating your attack and organising your defence.

His quick decision making will also be key as too will be his ability to control the tempo of a game.

11. Kylian Mbappé

Speed, speed and more speed! A lethal finisher with slick footwork, Mbappé would be among the quickest players in the game and if his goal-scoring antics are anything to go by, he would score a boat load.

12. Harry Kane

Some bulk in the midfield mixed with a bit of pace and flair. Kane could carry the ball hard to the line as well as linking up well with his fellow backs.

13. Gareth Bale

Bale has all the attributes to be a fine outside centre. We had Bale down as winger but his dynamic running and fitness would make his a great outside centre.

His anticipation would be a huge attribute on defence and considering he went to the same school as Sam Warburton, he can't be too bad.

14. Cristiano Ronaldo

Tall, quick and has a knack for being the match winner. Ronaldo's love for scoring goals would translate to scoring tries, his height and aerial ability would be any flyhalves dream.

Ronaldo would be a massive threat out wide and could even fill in at fullback.

15. Ederson

We had to have a goalkeeper in our side! However, Ederson is part of the new generation of goalkeepers that don't just provide fantastic saves but has great distribution and reads the game well to make defensive interceptions. 

His tactical kicking will be key while his height will certainly be an asset under the high ball. His positioning is immaculate and could even take up the long-range kicks.

Let us know what you think of our picks and who you think could make the switch.