18 of the biggest specimens at the World Rugby U20s Championship

Today is the second match day at the World Rugby U20 Championship in France. After a big start which included the introduction of the new tackle height trial, six fixtures will be played across three venues.

Interest in the competition is ever increasing, as are the size of the players.

With earlier talent identification taking place players are being enrolled in professional rugby systems earlier and earlier, where they have access to better nutritional management, weight training programmes and lifestyle guidance.

As a result, many are reaching their maximal size potential while they are still at U20s level. Many on the list are already playing professional rugby, while others are coming off the production line physically ready to play at the highest level.

Last year RugbyPass looked at the biggest U20s players in 2017 competition, which you can read here. Two of last year’s list make a repeat appearance this year.

Continue reading below…

The average weight and height of the 18 players on our list is 127kg/20 stone and 193cm/6’4 inches.

Laurence Tominiko
Australia
Club:
Position: Prop
Height: 6’1
Weight: 130kg

Angus Blyth
Australia
Club: Queensland Reds
Height: 6’9
Weight: 116kg

Federico Lavanini
Argentina
Club: Rosario
Position: Lock
Height: 6’7
Weight: 122kg
Comment: Brother of Puma’s lock Tomas.

Joel Kpoku
England
Club: Saracens
Position: Lock
Height: 6’5
Weight: 126kg

Joseph Heyes
England
Club: Leicester Tigers
Position: Prop
Height: 6’2
Weight: 126kg

Ehren Painter
England
Club: Northampton Saints
Position: Prop
Height: 6’4
Weight: 125kg

Ugo Boniface
France
Club: Bayonne
Position: Prop
Height: 6’2
Weight: 127kg

Daniel Brennan
France
Club: Montpellier
Position: Prop
Height: 6’4
Weight: 130kg
Comment: Son of Ireland international Trevor Brennan

Dublin-born adopted-Frenchman Daniel Brennan reacts to that win for the hosts tonight at the #WorldRugbyU20s. pic.twitter.com/GzP1Ik2Cxe

— eir Sport (@eirSport) May 30, 2018

Luka Japaridze
Georgia
Club: Lelo Saracens
Position: Prop
Height: 5’11
Weight: 125kg

Niccolo Cannone
Italy
Club: Cavalieri
Position: Prop/Lock
Height: 6’5
Weight: 122kg

Trevor Hosea
Australia
Club: Melbourne Rebels
Position: Lock
Height: 6’8
Weight: 115kg

Matteo Nocera
Italy
Club: Modena Rugby
Position: Prop
Height: 6’4
Weight: 128kg

Kaliopasi Uluilakepa
New Zealand
Club; Hurricanes
Position: Prop
Height: 6’3
Weight: 145kg

Sione Asi
New Zealand
Club: Manawatu
Position: Prop
Height: 6’1
Weight: 135kg

Asenathi Ntlabakanye
South Africa
Club: NA
Position Prop
Height: 6ft
Weight: 138kg

Will Davis-King
Wales
Pontypridd
Position: Prop
Height: 6’3
Weight: 128kg

Rhys Carre
Wales
Club: Cardiff Blues
Position: Prop
Height: 6’2
Weight: 130kg

Look at how long Alex Donbrandt is in the air for the lineout steal. Great strength and lift from @RhysCarre pic.twitter.com/Bup9AhUq4E

— U20 Rugby (@U20Rugby) February 27, 2017

Ewan Johnson
Scotland
Club: Racing 92
Position: Lock
Height: 6’8
Weight: 118kg