Tom Rowland, a former England under-18 prop, reminisces about his time rooming with fellow Leicester prop Joe Heyes. Heyes is now part of England’s Six Nations squad, having made appearances in each of their three games this season. However, back in 2017, both Heyes and Rowland were playing for England Under-18s in Cape Town. They were both props, highly regarded, and set to start against South Africa Schools the next day. Yet, despite their similarities, there were significant differences between the two players.
Rowland recalls Heyes as an imposing figure, weighing around 130kg (20st 7lb) at the young age of 16. In contrast, Rowland, who had previously played as a blind-side flanker or number eight for Bristol’s academy team, was only 90kg (14st 2lb) at the time. Advised by his coach to transition to the front row due to the increasing demand for mobile props, Rowland faced a significant challenge in adapting to his new position. The shift required him to focus on bulking up through a rigorous routine of six meals a day and five weights sessions per week.
Transitioning to the front row was no easy feat for Rowland, who found himself constantly struggling to consume enough calories to meet his weight gain goals. Despite his preference for ‘clean’ eating, he eventually had to prioritize caloric intake over food quality to achieve the desired physical transformation. The process was arduous, with Rowland often having to push himself to consume more food than he was accustomed to, including indulging in desserts for the sake of gaining weight.
After years of hard work and dedication, Rowland managed to add three stone to his frame, earning him the loose-head prop position for England Under-18s. Alongside notable players like Marcus Smith, Tom Willis, Cadan Murley, and Ted Hill, who are currently representing England in the Six Nations, Rowland had the opportunity to showcase his skills at an international level. However, his rugby journey took an unexpected turn when he joined New Zealand’s first-ever ‘Small Blacks’ team, composed of players participating in weight-restricted rugby.
In New Zealand, weight-restricted rugby has gained popularity, with teams limited to players weighing no more than 85kg (13st 5lbs), regardless of their position on the field. The concept has been embraced by players and fans alike, with 45 teams competing in the national under-85kg Cup in 2024. The fast-paced, intense nature of weight-restricted rugby has captivated audiences, offering a unique and exciting twist on traditional gameplay.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to a lighter weight and a different style of play, Rowland has thrived in the weight-restricted rugby format. His newfound agility and endurance have allowed him to contribute more effectively on the field, showcasing his versatility as a player. The transition from traditional rugby to weight-restricted rugby has presented Rowland with a fresh set of challenges and opportunities, allowing him to explore different aspects of his game and adapt to a new playing environment.
As Rowland prepares to face off against the full Sri Lanka national team with his Small Blacks teammates, he reflects on the potential for weight-restricted rugby to revolutionize the sport. With discussions of a weight-restricted World Cup on the horizon, players like Rowland are at the forefront of a groundbreaking shift in rugby culture. Whether it’s shedding pounds during a lockdown or adjusting to a lighter weight for a new style of play, Rowland’s rugby journey exemplifies the resilience and adaptability required to succeed in the ever-evolving world of sports. And as he contemplates the possibility of representing England or New Zealand in the future, Rowland’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the willingness to embrace change.
