Rugby is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, power, and endurance. The ability to perform well in the scrum and dominate opponents often depends on the physical prowess of the players. Among the various strength exercises, the bench press is a popular benchmark for upper body strength. In this article, we’ll explore the ten rugby players who have achieved remarkable bench press records, showcasing their incredible power and strength on and off the field.
- Tony Fulton – Bench Press: 570 lbs Tony Fulton, a former rugby player from New Zealand, holds the record for the highest bench press in rugby history. His astounding lift of 570 lbs (259 kg) exemplifies his immense upper body strength and dedication to training.
- Steve Thompson – Bench Press: 525 lbs Steve Thompson, an English hooker known for his physicality, achieved an impressive bench press of 525 lbs (238 kg). He utilized his exceptional upper body strength to dominate opponents in the scrum.
- Lote Tuqiri – Bench Press: 500 lbs Lote Tuqiri, a dual-code international who played both rugby league and rugby union, displayed his strength with a bench press of 500 lbs (227 kg). His powerful physique and ability to control the game made him a formidable force on the field.
- Mamuka Gorgodze – Bench Press: 495 lbs Mamuka Gorgodze, a Georgian rugby player, showcased his strength with a bench press of 495 lbs (225 kg). Known as “Gorgodzilla,” his raw power and physicality made him a force to be reckoned with.
- Bakkies Botha – Bench Press: 485 lbs Bakkies Botha, a South African lock, possessed incredible strength, evident in his bench press of 485 lbs (220 kg). His robust presence and hard-hitting tackles made him a formidable opponent.
- Adam Jones – Bench Press: 465 lbs Adam Jones, a Welsh prop, demonstrated his upper body strength with a bench press of 465 lbs (211 kg). His solid technique and power contributed to his success both in the scrum and the weight room.
- Julian Savea – Bench Press: 455 lbs Julian Savea, a New Zealand winger known for his explosive speed and strength, achieved a bench press of 455 lbs (206 kg). His combination of power and agility made him a nightmare for defenders.
- Maro Itoje – Bench Press: 440 lbs Maro Itoje, an English lock, has showcased his exceptional strength and athleticism with a bench press of 440 lbs (200 kg). His physicality and ability to dominate the set-piece have made him one of the best in his position.
- Taulupe Faletau – Bench Press: 435 lbs Taulupe Faletau, a Welsh number eight, displayed his strength with a bench press of 435 lbs (197 kg). His powerful ball-carrying and tireless work rate have made him a key player for both club and country.
- Brodie Retallick – Bench Press: 430 lbs Brodie Retallick, a New Zealand lock, demonstrated his strength with a bench press of 430 lbs (195 kg). His physical presence, combined with his exceptional skill set, has earned him accolades as one of the best locks in the game.
Conclusion
These ten rugby players have proven their exceptional upper body strength through their impressive bench press records. Their dedication to training, combined with their natural physical gifts, has allowed them to dominate opponents on the rugby field. Their remarkable displays of power serve as an inspiration to aspiring rugby players, highlighting the importance of strength and conditioning in the sport. As the game continues to evolve, we can expect more athletes to push the boundaries of physical prowess and set new benchmarks for strength in rugby.