The ten heaviest players in rugby history (Ranked 10-1)

We explore the ten heaviest players in the sport’s history, from modern international enforcers to cult figures of earlier eras.

These giants reshaped scrummaging, collisions and forward play, proving that sheer mass can be as influential as skill at the highest level of rugby union history ever.

Known as the Tongan Thor, Taniela Tupou has become a fan favourite for the Wallabies thanks to his explosive ball carries and spectacular offloads.

With more than 65 international caps and a cult following from his time with the Queensland Reds, he has a reputation for turning scrums into destructive weapons while still possessing impressive speed for a front row forward.

Now playing for Racing 92, Tupou has represented Australia for almost a decade. Although born in Tonga, he qualified for the Wallabies through residency.

A seasoned tighthead prop, James Johnston earned 16 caps for Samoa and enjoyed a lengthy club career with Harlequins, Saracens, Worcester and Brive. Renowned for his immense scrummaging power and uncompromising approach, he continues to play at the age of 40 for Ampthill in the Championship.

Rugby talent runs in the family, with Johnston the brother of fellow prop Census Johnston, who weighs in at a comparatively modest 137kg.

JJ van der Mescht has enjoyed a standout season with Northampton Saints and is widely recognised across England for his physical and aggressive style of play. His imposing frame and athletic ability make him one of the most difficult forwards to contain.

Frequently used as a powerful ball carrier, van der Mescht often requires multiple defenders to bring him down, creating opportunities and space for teammates elsewhere on the field. The South African remains an outside contender for a Springboks call-up this summer.

Toulouse lock Emmanuel Meafou has developed into one of the most formidable forwards in world rugby. A Champions Cup and Top 14 winner, the towering second row combines immense size with surprising athleticism.

Born in New Zealand to Samoan parents before being raised in Australia, Meafou gained French citizenship in 2023 and made his international debut for France the following year.

A former Wallabies captain and one of rugby's most dominant forwards, Will Skelton has enjoyed success with both Saracens and La Rochelle, winning major European honours along the way. His rare blend of size, mobility and handling ability makes him a unique presence on the field.

While injuries have occasionally disrupted his career, Skelton remains incredibly difficult to stop when fully fit. In August 2023, he was named Australia captain for the Rugby World Cup.

Posolo Tuilagi is the latest powerhouse to emerge from rugby's famous Tuilagi family. Already a France international and a key figure for Perpignan, he has brought the family's trademark physicality to the second row.

Weighing close to 150kg, Tuilagi moves remarkably well for a player of his size, combining brute force with impressive athleticism.

Asenathi Ntlabakanye earned recognition after dominating scrums for the Lions and breaking into the Springboks set-up in 2024.

Built for the tighthead role, his game centres on winning collisions, overpowering opponents at the set piece and imposing himself physically from start to finish. In May 2026, Ntlabakanye received an 18-month ban following an anti-doping rule violation.

One of the great front row forwards of the modern era, Uini Atonio played a major role in France's success over the past decade. With more than 70 Test caps, a Six Nations title and multiple trophies with La Rochelle, he established himself as one of the game's premier tightheads.

At 155kg, Atonio was renowned for his immense strength and ability to anchor a scrum against the very best opposition. He retired in 2026 following a serious health scare.

Tonga captain Ben Tameifuna has built a reputation as one of rugby's most imposing props. Despite his enormous size, he possesses impressive handling skills and surprisingly nimble footwork.

From his early success with the Chiefs in Super Rugby to standout performances with Racing 92 and Bordeaux in Europe, Tameifuna has consistently shown that power and skill can go hand in hand.

Bill Cavubati remains one of the heaviest players ever to compete at the highest levels of rugby. The Fijian-born powerhouse became a cult figure during the early 2000s and famously took on the All Blacks in 2005 while weighing more than many entire backline units combined.

A long-serving figure in Wellington rugby and a member of the Hurricanes squad, Cavubati was more than just a novelty act. His scrummaging ability matched his enormous frame, making his extraordinary weight even more remarkable.