Much like the NFL, rugby is a sport that is chock full of beasts. Both sports are similar in many ways, so it is not a surprise that the sport of rugby has players that are just as badass as those in the NFL.
I am sure most football fans (American football) think there is no way any sport can match their player’s combination of strength and athleticism, but these rugby players can more than hold their own. We have compiled a list of 15 of the biggest beasts in rugby that easily rival those of the NFL. Keep in mind this list, as with our list of the most jacked players in the NFLcould easily have been much longer.
This sport is littered with guys, just like the 15 here. Enough talking. Let’s get to the list. Here are 15 of the biggest beasts in rugby in no particular order.
Josua Tuisova
Height: 5’11” Weight: 249 lbs
Josua is a Fijian rugby union player who is known for his strong running and physical play. Not surprisingly, he is nicknamed ‘The Bus’.
With tree trunk legs like that, I am sure Josua is a really fun guy to bring down. Too bad we couldn’t find any weightlifting numbers for him online. We did find where he was timed running 90 meters in 10 seconds but that was a guesstimate they did using this video which is as unscientific as it gets.
We also found a good highlight video that shows what a beast he is as well. Enjoy!
Taniela is a mountain of a man who was born in Tonga and plays tight head prop for the Queensland Red and has played international rugby for Australia.
Unfortunately, we can’t find how much he can lift anywhere on the web, I guarantee it’s a lot though, just look at the traps on that dude!
No doubt he puts in his time in the weight room, but his beard is almost as badass as his physique. Opposing players should fear the beard or feel it’s wrath!
JNemani is another mountain of a man on this list. At 6’5″ he is the tallest athlete on here. He also benches over 450 lbs, according to rugbybypass.com. In this article with rugbypass.com he also says that he is cleaning about 320 lbs (145 kg)and box squatting just under 440 lbs (200 kg)
Biyi is an English professional rugby union player who plays for Racing 92. He has also released a couple of hip-hop songs. I’m not sure if his songs are any good, but if they aren’t, I won’t tell him. He benches over 475 lbs (220 kg)
Gheorghe Gajion
Height: 6’3″ Weight 295
This thick-necked gentleman is known by rugby fans as “The Beast”. Hard to imagine why. Maybe it’s because he reportedly benches over 500 lbs (230 kg). I would say he has certainly earned his nickname.
WillGriff John easily wins the award for the most massive calf muscles on the list. He was born in England and plays for Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship. His playing position is a tighthead prop.
While his calves are massive, his upper body is also quite burly. He can put up an impressive 460 lbs (210 kg) on the bench press.
Cian is an Irish rugby player with Rugby Union. He is a powerhouse and is also known as a bit of a dirty player. He is getting up there in age though. Retirement coming soon.
Sean O’Brien
Weight: 238 lbs Height: 6′ 2″
O’Brien is an Irish professional Rugby Union player from Carlow, Ireland. He has been called a rampaging ball of destruction and is know for his barging runs and ball carrying.
Eben Etzebeth is a South African Rugby Union footballer. His sheer size is intimidating as hell and the fact that he can bench press 385lbs and do incline dumbbell presses with 175lbs in each hand is flat out scary.
Andrew Porter is another massive individual. He is an Irish rugby union player for Leinster and Ireland.
He grew up a gym-obsessed teenager who was fixated on bench, squat and deadlift. While he doesn’t really keep track of his max lifts anymore, he is reportedly able to squat 772lb (350kg).
This Tongan born rugby union player who plays for English Premiership Team Leicester Tigers is massive. Not only does he have imposing size, he’s also known for his strength and can bench press 440 lbs. (200kg).
This man hits like a brick $hi+ house. If you don’t believe me watch this video for verification.
Sergio Parisse
Height: 6’5″ Weight: 247 lbs
Sergio is an Italian rugby player who plays for the French club Toulon and is captain of the Italian team.
David Pocock
Height: 6’o” Weight: 230 Lbs
Australian rugby union player. He is a Brumbies openside flanker and is vice-captain of the Brumbies.
There it is, in a sport that is full of beasts, we did our best to narrow it down to 15 of the biggest. It wasn’t easy.
If we missed anyone, let us know in the comment section below. We do update the article from time to time, and we take your suggestions into consideration.
“Updated for 2022” lol!
pretty much all of these guys have now retired. Poor journalism.
And liberals want trans men to compete against women? If one of these guys did that, what possible advantage would they have over women? 🙄
Nemani Nadolo Fiji winger total beast