“20kg lighter” – Richie McCaw is unrecognisable from his Rugby World Cup playing days

This transformation was achieved by intentionally decreasing his "excess rugby muscle."

Following his departure from the sport following the victory in the 2015 World Cup, McCaw enthusiastically immersed himself in the world of ultra-hardcore marathons.

The resultant weight loss has significantly contributed to sharpening his competitive advantage in these demanding athletic pursuits.

The retired athlete, formerly weighing 110kg, now maintains a weight of approximately 90kg following the shedding of the surplus weight.

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Below, we look at five other rugby stars who transformed their bodies to get themselves into top condition.

The Wallabies legend started out as an skinny 78kg teen who worked day in and day out to transform himself, with his size and strength came at a cost, Pocock told Australian Story.

The centre missed out on Eddie Jones’ first squad for the Six Nations Grand Slam triumph in 2016 with the Aussie labelling him “grossly overweight”.

He revealed his incredible body transformation online yesterday saying in the caption…

When he was a prop for the Wallabies Matt Dunning weighed 130kg and was constantly mocked for his tubby frame.

But since retiring from rugby union the 35-year-old has lost a staggering 40kg, dropping from 25 per cent body fat to just 11 per cent in six months.

He looks amazing.

England flanker/hooker Fleetwood was always a fitness freak, but during lockdown she has taken it to another level. She's been documenting her journey, sharing training routines and recipe ideas on her Instagram along the way.