Size has always been a major part of rugby, but some forwards have taken it to another level.
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From enormous props to towering locks, these players have pushed the limits of what is possible on a rugby pitch.
The latest name to enter the conversation is a prop who was called up to the All Blacks squad for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa after Ollie Norris was ruled out.
15 Richard Metcalfe – 140kg
Standing at 7ft (213cm), Richard Metcalfe was the tallest player ever to represent a nation at international level. He was around six inches taller than the average second row, giving him a huge presence in the line-out and contributing to his enormous frame.
The Scottish forward won 13 caps between 2000 and 2001 and enjoyed club spells with Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints. He played in every match of Northampton’s victorious 2000 Heineken Cup campaign apart from the final, where he came off the bench as they defeated Munster.
His career came to an end in 2003 after his contract with the Borders and SRU was terminated. A long-term knee injury ultimately forced him into retirement.
14 Saula Ma’u – 142kg
A late addition to the All Blacks’ Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa, Saula Ma’u was called up after prop Ollie Norris suffered an injury.
Born in Tonga, the 6ft 4in, 142kg tighthead has already represented the All Blacks XV and has established himself as one of New Zealand’s most powerful scrummagers.
Ma’u has made 58 appearances for the Highlanders and a further 40 for Otago, with his immense strength making him a formidable presence at the set piece.
13 Tamaiti Williams – 144kg
Already an established Test prop at just 26, Tamaiti Williams has earned more than 25 caps for New Zealand and is regarded as one of the country’s most promising front row forwards.
His Super Rugby career began with the Crusaders in 2021, where he quickly developed a reputation for his combination of power, athleticism and work rate.
Williams was part of New Zealand’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and featured from the bench during the semi-final victory over Argentina.
12 Frans Malherbe – 144kg
A two-time World Cup winner with South Africa, Frans Malherbe has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier tighthead props. The 144kg forward has also been a key figure for the Stormers.
His career has been badly disrupted by injuries, however. Malherbe has not played since March 2025 after suffering back and neck problems, before a hip injury in January 2026 further delayed his recovery.
The 35-year-old missed the entirety of the Stormers’ 2025/26 campaign. He was included in Rassie Erasmus’ initial 49-man Springboks alignment camp squad for 2026, but has not returned to the active Test squads while continuing his rehabilitation.
11 James Johnston – 145kg
Few props have combined longevity with sheer size quite like James Johnston. The veteran tighthead won 16 caps for Samoa and enjoyed a lengthy club career with Harlequins, Saracens, Worcester and Brive.
His scrummaging power and uncompromising style made him a formidable opponent, while he was still turning out regularly well into his 40s. Last season, Johnston played 16 matches for Championship side Ampthill at the age of 40.
Rugby also runs in the family. His brother, fellow prop Census Johnston, was listed at a comparatively modest 137kg.
