Sky sports analyst Stuart Barnes has carved out an impressive reputation in the media © Getty Images

To coincide with our countdown of Rugby's Most Influential People, we thought we would offer up some additional rankings in the form of a series of 'Top 5s'.

First up is our pick of the wealth of talking heads making a living by offering up their opinions on the game on TV in the UK. ESPN's Austin Healey and Ben Kay would no doubt make any such list but to pre-empt any accusations of nepotism we have opted not to feature anyone too close to home.

1. Stuart Barnes - The former England international is arguably the leading rugby analyst in the UK having cultivated a successful career in the media since hanging up his boots in the mid-1990s. Barnes brings a fair amount of authority to Sky Sports' rugby output be that in the studio or on the commentary gantry alongside the excellent Miles Harrison. And his work on screen is backed up by his equally impressive work in print be that with SkySports.com or the Sunday Times

2. Jonathan Davies - Another former international - a dual-code international at that - who once lit up union and league for Wales and who now offers insight on both sports for the BBC. Never short of a forthright opinion - check out his latest views on Gavin Henson - or love for All Blacks playmaker Dan Carter, he splits his time between the co-commentator's chair and the warmth of the studio while also checking in with BBC Sport Wales' Scrum V. And for those who can't get enough of him he also features regularly on the BBC Sport website.

3. Will Greenwood - Yet another notable TV pundit with international rugby credentials - noticing a trend here? Greenwood won the World Cup with England and can also boast British & Irish Lions honours but it was his ease in front of the camera that will have attracted Sky Sports. Like Barnes, he found work at the last World Cup with ITV and also boasts a column in the national press with the Daily Telegraph while updating a few thousand followers on Twitter.

4. Brian Moore - The Pitbull earned 69 Test caps for England and the British & Irish Lions with a no-nonsense approach to the game and he still refuses to hold any punches as a broadcaster. Perhaps for this reason he is largely confined to the commentary gantry from where he regularly loses his rag but not his composure. An award-winning author he is offered a wider sporting remit in the Daily Telegraph but we like him best behind the mic and watching a game of rugby.

5. Jerry Guscott - The fourth ex-England international and Lions tourist to make our list, the 'Prince of Centres' won 73 Test caps in a sparkling career and now passes judgement on the latest generation from the comfort of the BBC studio. His insightful comment and propensity to deliver a forthright opinion is a plus for the Beeb's coverage and his views can also be read on the BBC Sport website and The Rugby Paper.

Also worth a mention.....former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio warrants a more regular outlet, Dean Ryan has been an impressive introduction to the Sky Sports stable where Michael Lynagh continues to impress as he stands astride the two hemispheres.

Agree? Disagree? Who are your favourites?