Here, RUCK picks out the giants of world rugby.
Six Nations beasts:
1. Andrew Porter – Ireland
Lions contender Porter is poised to make a sizeable impact for Ireland moving forward. The 25-year-old Leinster tighthead, who has won 32 caps, is a huge carrier, massive in the scrum and is renowned for his freakish ability in the gym.
According to Jonny Waterson in The Irish Times: “Noted for his strength, Porter, if the figure doing the rounds is accurate, can squat 350kg (772lb) or, if you like, three Cian Healys. Quite an effective mass of cleaning-out power.”
2. George North – Wales
Another Welshman known for bulldozing his way through defences, North has made his name by being monstrously strong. His sheer strength was most notably demonstrated on the 2013 Lions tour to Australia when he picked up Israel Folau and carried him… while the ball was in his hand!
3. Leigh Halfpenny – Wales
The Wales fullback isn’t the biggest on the list, not by a long shot. Halfpenny has put on some serious size over the years and is a solid unit on the field. He has a great shape and very lean, women’s choice it seems!
4. Sam Underhill - England
The flanker has a terminator like physique, but not only is he in great shape, he’s also studying Politics and Economics at the University of Bath. Superman on the pitch, and a gentle giant off it.
5. Eben Etzebeth - South Africa
At 6ft 8 and 280lbs, Eben Etzebeth must scare the sh*t out of his own family. This rugby player is still just 26, but is such a tank he had to have custom made dumbbells (source) specially made for him, because the 65kg (145lb) ones were, and I quote, ‘too light’.
