Tonga skipper Ben Tameifuna is officially the heaviest player in world rugby – and in August he went viral with over a million views in a single day.
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Currently leading his country in the Pacific Nations Cup, the 23-stone-plus prop has once again proved he’s far more than just size. Footage of the giant front-rower tearing it up against Samoa has exploded online, showing that raw power and surprising mobility can go hand in hand.
Of course, Test rugby is stacked with physical freaks. South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman tip the scales at over 19 stone, while Uini Atonio and Posolo Tuilagi push the 23-stone bracket. But Tameifuna sits alone at the very top – the heaviest of them all.
Despite weighing close to 24 stone, the former All Blacks trainee covers serious ground for Tonga. In Saturday’s 30-16 win over Samoa, fans were treated to an outrageous moment when Tameifuna bulldozed defenders before hoisting a teammate onto his shoulder and carrying him over the try line like a rag doll.
The clip has already racked up over 900,000 views on Instagram, plus another 150,000 on TikTok – proof that rugby fans can’t get enough of the big man’s heroics.
2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough pool
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is set to be a landmark tournament, expanding to 24 teams and hosted by Australia from October 1 to November 13, 2027.
The official pool draw is scheduled for December 2025, but based on current World Rugby rankings, here’s a predicted breakdown of the pools and profiles of the teams involved.
Pool A
New Zealand – The Mighty All Blacks
The All Blacks are perennial powerhouses with three World Cup titles (1987, 2011, 2015). They reached the final in 2023 but were narrowly defeated by South Africa 12–11.
Argentina – Los Pumas on the Prowl
Los Pumas are known for their physical play and passionate fan base, consistently challenging top-tier teams.
Portugal – The Lusitanian Lancers
Emerging as a strong contender, Portugal has been improving steadily, surprising bigger nations with their grit.
USA – The Eagle Soars
The Eagles are steadily developing their rugby program, with increasing participation and performance levels.
Pool B
Ireland – The Emerald Warriors
Ireland boasts a rich rugby history and a strong domestic league, making them a formidable opponent in any pool.
Scotland – The Braveheart Tacklers
Scotland is known for tactical play and resilience, consistently challenging the sport’s elite.
Uruguay – Los Teros Tenacious
Uruguay has grown significantly in international rugby, showcasing strong defense and spirited play.
Chile – The Rugby Condors
Chile is making strides, with a growing domestic scene and increasing international experience.
