Imagine a 23-stone (145kg) giant, towering at 6ft 7in, sprinting towards you at full speed. Terrifying, right? Meet JJ Van der Mescht, Northampton’s rugby powerhouse, whose sheer presence on the field is enough to make even the bravest defenders think twice. But here’s where it gets fascinating: this isn’t just about his size. Van der Mescht is a unique blend of brute force and surprising agility, a combination that’s turning heads in the Premiership.
Even among professional rugby players, Van der Mescht stands out—literally. He’s not only one of the heaviest players in the league but also among the tallest. And despite his massive frame, he’s no slouch. As a schoolboy, he clocked an impressive 11-second flat in the 100m sprint. For defenders, that’s a nightmare scenario: a player who’s both unstoppable and unexpectedly quick.
Since joining Northampton, Van der Mescht has become a key figure in their game plan. With fellow South African Juarno Augustus moving to Ulster, he’s stepped up as the team’s primary ball carrier. At 26, he averages an impressive 12 carries per game and boasts the highest percentage of dominant carries among forwards in the league. “Taking the ball at full tilt is an amazing feeling,” he shares. “I’ve always loved the physicality of it. It’s what I thrive on.”
But here’s the part most people miss: Van der Mescht’s journey to peak performance hasn’t been linear. Back in 2022, after some post-wedding celebrations, he returned to his former club, Stade Francais, weighing a staggering 160kg (25st 3lbs). Since then, he’s transformed his lifestyle through intermittent fasting, now fueling his colossal frame with just one meal a day. Yes, you read that right. His go-to? A big steak. “My stomach has shrunk, so one meal in the evening is all I need,” he explains. “It works for me, but it’s not for everyone.”
This unconventional approach might raise eyebrows, but it’s hard to argue with the results. Van der Mescht’s mobility and power are perfectly suited to Northampton’s high-tempo, quick-recycling style of play, which has them sitting atop the Premiership at the halfway mark. “The Prem is much faster than the Top 14,” he notes. “I need to keep up with these amazing players. I don’t want to let them down.”
Off the field, Van der Mescht’s story is just as compelling. After feeling anonymous in Paris, he and his wife Carla have found a sense of belonging in a small village outside Northampton. “The fans here are amazing,” he says. “People stop me on the street just to say hello. It’s something I really missed in France—that sense of community.” The couple was even moved to tears by the Christmas cards they received from their new neighbors. Van der Mescht has also been giving back, volunteering to coach the nearby Towcestrians. “Seeing these guys work a nine-to-five and still show up to training with smiles on their faces reminded me why I love rugby,” he reflects. “It’s not just a job; it’s a passion.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: With South Africa’s current locks aging, could Van der Mescht be the next big name in the Springboks lineup? At just 26, he’s already represented South Africa at the under-20 World Cup in 2019, and his unique blend of size, speed, and skill could make him an irresistible prospect for coach Rassie Erasmus. “Playing for the Springboks is every South African’s dream,” Van der Mescht admits. “But I’m focusing on improving myself first. If I do that, the rest will follow.”
Whether or not a Springboks call-up is in his future, one thing is certain: JJ Van der Mescht is a force to be reckoned with. And for defenders across the Premiership—and perhaps soon, the international stage—that’s a prospect as daunting as it is exciting.
What do you think? Is Van der Mescht’s one-meal-a-day diet something other athletes should consider, or is it too risky? And could he be the next big star in South African rugby? Let us know in the comments!
