Ben Tameifuna has been handed one of rugby's most unusual positional switches after being named at second-row for Bordeaux-Bègles.
The Tonga international weighs a staggering 151kg and usually plays at tighthead prop.
But his surprise selection at lock has raised one obvious question.
Who's going to lift him at the lineout?
The Bordeaux-Bègles giant is no stranger to making headlines because of his size.
He was the heaviest player at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he helped Tonga compete against the world's best.
Tameifuna has also reportedly weighed as much as 166kg during his career.
Now, his latest positional switch has put him back in the spotlight.
But where does he rank among rugby's biggest-ever players?
From World Cup winners to enormous forwards who tipped the scales at more than 160kg, we've ranked 10 of the heaviest players in rugby history.
The list uses reported peak playing weights, rather than current figures. Weights are approximate and may vary between sourc
10. Tamaiti Williams (New Zealand) – 140kg
The giant All Blacks prop has established himself as one of New Zealand's most imposing forwards.
A product of the Crusaders, Williams combines his enormous frame with impressive handling skills and surprising mobility.
He has become a valuable option on both sides of the scrum.
9. Frans Malherbe (South Africa) – 141kg
The double World Cup winner was a cornerstone of South Africa's powerful scrum.
Malherbe played a crucial role in the Springboks' triumphs in 2019 and 2023.
Renowned for his technical ability, he proved that scrummaging is about far more than sheer weight.
8. Josh Iosefa-Scott (New Zealand) – 145kg
The Exeter Chiefs tighthead has been among the biggest forwards in English club rugby.
Standing 6ft 4in, Iosefa-Scott joined Exeter in 2021 after previously representing Waikato and the Highlanders.
His enormous frame has made him a formidable presence at scrum time.
7. Emmanuel Meafou (France) – 145kg
The Australian-born France international is one of the most physically intimidating locks in European rugby.
Standing around 6ft 8in, Meafou has become a key figure for Toulouse.
His combination of power, height and carrying ability makes him particularly difficult to stop close to the try line.
6. Will Skelton (Australia) – 150kg
The towering Wallabies second-row has built a reputation as one of rugby's most destructive ball carriers.
Skelton helped La Rochelle win consecutive Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023.
At over two metres tall, he provides an enormous physical presence in both attack and defence.
5. Uini Atonio (France) – 155kg
The New Zealand-born French international became one of the most recognisable props in world rugby.
A cornerstone of La Rochelle's European success, Atonio was renowned for his destructive scrummaging and remarkable handling skills.
Atonio finished his international career with 68 France caps and was part of the side that won the 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam.
4. Malik Hamadache (France) – 156kg
The French prop earned a reputation as one of the heaviest professional players in the modern game.
Hamadache represented Montpellier, Pau and Agen during his career.
In 2023, RugbyPass reported that Agen listed him at 156kg, making him the heaviest player on a professional club's published roster at the time.
That is equivalent to almost 24 stone 8lb.
3. JJ van der Mescht (South Africa) – 165kg
The Northampton Saints lock has undergone a remarkable physical transformation.
Standing 6ft 7in, Van der Mescht revealed that he reached 165kg during his time at Stade Français.
He subsequently shed around 20kg and has established himself as one of the most imposing forwards in the Gallagher PREM.
In an interview with The Telegraph, he explained how his weight increased following his wedding celebrations.
Northampton now list him at approximately 145kg, but his remarkable peak weight puts him among rugby's biggest modern giants.
2. Ben Tameifuna (Tonga) – up to 166kg
The man responsible for this extraordinary countdown.
Tameifuna has enjoyed a remarkable career with the Chiefs, Racing 92 and Bordeaux-Bègles.
He captained Tonga at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where his enormous frame made him one of the tournament's most recognisable players.
Although the official Top 14 website currently lists him at 151kg, he reportedly reached 166kg during an earlier spell at Racing 92.
Now he faces another unusual challenge after being named at second-row for Bordeaux against Gloucester.
The 35-year-old will wear the No.5 shirt alongside Cameron Woki in Friday's Champions Cup clash at Kingsholm.
The surprise selection was confirmed on Thursday, with Bordeaux also moving Maxime Lucu from scrum-half to fly-half.
1. Bill Cavubati (Fiji) – 167kg
The Fijian powerhouse is widely remembered as one of the heaviest players in international rugby history.
Cavubati became a cult figure during the early 2000s, representing Fiji and playing provincial rugby in New Zealand.
He famously faced the All Blacks in 2005 while weighing approximately 167kg.
The former Hurricanes forward earned 38 international caps and became known for his remarkable size and powerful scrummaging.
