35 - 37

Heavy-hitters: Every Top 14 side by height, weight and age

255 days ago

Perpignan lock Posolo Tuilagi (C) runs with the ball during the French Top14 rugby union match between USA Perpignan and Racing 92 at the Aime-Giral stadium in Perpignan, south-western France on April 22, 2023. (Photo by RAYMOND ROIG / AFP) (Photo by RAYMOND ROIG/AFP via Getty Images)

The Top 14 has long been thought of as the land of giants in a rugby union context and here we test the theory with a look at the average physical make-up of a player in each squad.

As you’d have guessed the league is broadly heavier across the board than both the URC and Gallagher Premiership, although it’s notably shorter than the English league.

The below squads’ statistics should be read in context of course: with a roster favouring a higher ratio of forwards to backs in terms of personnel likely to be taller and heavier than one that has a higher proportion of backs etc

Where did it go wrong for the Boks in the first 60 vs NZ? | RPTV

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:58

Loaded: 0.00%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:58

Where did it go wrong for the Boks in the first 60 vs NZ? | RPTV

The Boks Office crew, joined by Andrew Mehrtens, discuss why South Africa fell behind at Ellis Park. Watch the full episode on RugbyPass TV

Watch now

Caveat: The statistics do not include extensive ‘Espoirs’ rosters which include players that will feature in the Top 14 regular season. As such this list trends higher for age than our previous breakdown of both the URC and Gallagher Premiership statistics, where there are typically fewer players on academy contracts.

The only exception to this is where we have included France international Posolo Tuilagi in Perpignan’s equation as it seemed churlish not to include a regular player and indeed, a Test player, who happens to be on an academy contract.

14. Perpignan
It wasn’t that long ago [circa 10 years] that USA Perpignan were one of the heaviest squads in the league. Now they are one the lightest, even if they have the giant Posolo Tuilagi bringing up the average.

Average age: 28.1 years
Average height: 185.9 cm
Average weight: 104.5kg
Tallest player: Adrien Warion – 202 cm
Heaviest player: Posolo Tuilagi – 149kg
Oldest player: Seilala Lam – 35 years
League finish last time out: 10th

13. Montpellier
The perception about Stuart Hogg’s new team is that they are made up of heavyweight imports but in fact they go into the new season as the second lightest in the league.

Average age: 28.5 years
Average height: 186 cm
Average weight: 104.7kg
Tallest player: Bastien Chalureau – 203 cm
Heaviest player: Billy Vunipola – 134kg
Oldest player: Cobus Reinach – 34 years
League finish last time out: 13th

12. Vannes
The Top 14 new boys from Brittany are the shortest squad in the top flight and the third lightest at 104.8kg a man.

Average age: 28.2 years
Average height: 185.4 cm
Average weight: 104.8kg
Tallest player: Anton Bresler – 200 cm
Heaviest player: Phil Kité – 140kg
Oldest player: Paga Tafili – 37 years
League finish last time out: N/A

11. Racing 92
Stuart Lancaster’s Racing 92 had been one of the heavier sides in recent years but his current crop is decidedly mid-table in terms of mass this term, maybe reflecting Lancaster’s desire for a fitter side.

Average age: 27.5 years
Average height: 185.5 cm
Average weight: 105.1kg
Tallest player: Will Rowlands – 203 cm
Heaviest player: Romain Taofifenua – 135kg
Oldest player: Henry Chavancy – 36 years
League finish last time out: 6th

10. Stade Francais
South African lock JJ Van der Mescht is listed at 145kg, although Paul Gustard revealed on the podcast last year that he tipped the scales at 154kg, or 24 stone 4Ibs in old money. We’ve taken his listed weight for this article in the interest of fairness.

Average age: 27.0 years
Average height: 186.1 cm
Average weight: 105.2kg
Tallest player: JJ Van der Mescht – 200 cm
Heaviest player: JJ Van der Mescht – 145kg
Oldest player: Francisco Gomez Kodela – 39 years
League finish last time out: 2nd

9. Lyon
Lyon is the culinary capital of France and the city will no doubt have plenty of LOU forwards stalking local eateries this season. The exit of 132kg Paulo Tafili is offset to a degree by the arrival of Jermaine Ainsley and Tomas Lavanini (both 127kg) and 126kg Irakli Aptsiauri.

Average age: 27.6 years
Average height: 187.1 cm
Average weight: 105.6kg
Tallest player: Tomás Lavanini – 201 cm
Heaviest player: Feao Fotuaika – 135kg
Oldest player: Steeve Blanc-Mappaz – 34 years
League finish last time out: 11th

Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini and Francisco Gomez Kodela of Argentina sing the national anthem prior The Rugby Championship match between Argentina and South Africa at Jose Amalfitani Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

8. Bayonne
The arrival of 130kg Veikoso Pololinati and 127kg Alex Moon will help bring up the average at Bayonne, although they lost 127kg Konstantin Mikautadze over the summer.

Average age: 27.5 years
Average height: 187.1 cm
Average weight: 105.7kg
Tallest player: Alex Moon & Veikoso Poloniati – 203 cm
Heaviest player: Tevita Tatafu – 150kg
Oldest player: Guillaume Rouet – 36 years
League finish last time out: 12th

7. Castres
132kg prop Wilfrid Hounkpatin may have gone to Montpellier but Castres’ average weight is now tipping on towards 17 stone a man.

Average age: 28.3 years
Average height: 187.5 cm
Average weight: 106.0kg
Tallest player: Guillaume Ducat – 205 cm
Heaviest player: Levan Chilachava – 130kg
Oldest player: Leone Nakarawa – 36 years
League finish last time out: 7th

6. Toulon
Giant Samoan lock Brian Alainu’uese remains the tallest and heaviest player at RCT. The heaviest new signing is 132kg prop Daniel Brennan, son of famous Ireland, Leinster and Toulouse second-row Trevor.

Average age: 27.3 years
Average height: 187.3 cm
Average weight: 106.5kg
Tallest player: Brian Alainu’uese – 202 cm
Heaviest player: Brian Alainu’uese – 135kg
Oldest player: Mickaël Ivaldi – 34 years
League finish last time out: 4th

Brian Alainu’u’ese of Samoa looks on during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Argentina and Samoa at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 22, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

5. La Rochelle
Despite an enormous forward pack with multiple players over 22 stone, a relatively modestly sized back division has limited Ronan O’Gara’s squad’s average weight.

Average age: 29.6 years
Average height: 186.6 cm
Average weight: 106.7kg
Tallest player: Will Skelton – 203 cm
Heaviest player: Uini Atonio – 147kg
Oldest player: Kane Douglas – 35 years
League finish last time out: 5th

4. Toulouse
The fourth-heaviest squad in the top flight haven’t recruited any high-mass individuals in the off-season but they remain one of the heaviest sides in the league thanks to a broadly meaty forward pack and a relatively heavyweight back division.

Average age: 26.9 years
Average height: 186.8 cm
Average weight: 106.9kg
Tallest player: Richie Arnold – 208 cm
Heaviest player: Emmanuel Meafou – 145kg
Oldest player: Richie Arnold – 34 years
League finish last time out: 1st

3. Clermont
Mid-table Clermont find themselves towards the heavier end of the scale on this list, with an average weight of over 17 stone. The arrival of 130kg Michael Alaalatoa from Leinster has helped prop up the average.

Average age: 28.5 years
Average height: 188.0 cm
Average weight: 107.7kg
Tallest player: Oskar Rixen – 204 cm
Heaviest player: Régis Montagne – 133kg
Oldest player: Benjamin Urdapilleta – 38 years
League finish last time out: 8th

2. Pau
Sébastien Piqueronies’ Section Paloise are just 100g lighter than the heaviest team on this list. The likes of Jon Zabala and Harry Williams (both 132kg) and the aptly named 133kg Jimi Maximin certainly helps, although it’s a pack with just four players under 110kg that gives this side a high average.

Average age: 27.6 years
Average height: 187.6 cm
Average weight: 107.8kg
Tallest player: Jimi Maximin – 205 cm
Heaviest player: Jimi Maximin – 133kg
Oldest player: Luke Whitelock – 33 years
League finish last time out:

1. Bordeaux Begles
No surprise that Bordeaux top the list at just under 108kg a man, although they’re 0.4kg lighter than Exeter Chiefs, the Gallagher Premiership heaviest side.

Average age: 28.7 years
Average height: 187.3 cm
Average weight: 107.9kg
Tallest player: Adam Coleman – 207 cm
Heaviest player: Ben Tameifuna – 151kg
Oldest player: Ben Tapuai – 35 years
League finish last time out: 3rd

South Africa vs New Zealand | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

Argentina vs Australia | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

Saitama Wildknights vs Tokyo Sungoliath | Japan Rugby League 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

The gruelling reality behind one of the fastest sports in the world | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 40 | The Steven Kitshoff Special

Perry Baker in the house | HSBC Life on Tour | Los Angeles

Confidence knocks and finding your people | Flo Williams | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Comments

4 Comments

NK 253 days ago

Toulouse are not only the best team in the comp, but also the youngest - I reckon that's ominous for the pretenders to the throne.

GH 254 days ago

To come back to this present paper, are we in some kind of butcher shop ? Will we have the price per kg to see who has the cheapest or most expensive meat ? 😂

SadersMan 254 days ago

213 foreign players including 22 Kiwis & 23 Saffas across 14 squads is just nuts.

GH 254 days ago

You answer to a previous paper from Rugbypass. What lacked in this previous paper was the number of foreign players who are also "JIFF" (players coming from the french academies). The real importance is how every teams will be able to put 16 "JIFF" on the average on each game roster. Montpellier for instance has been fighting to maintain its place in top 14 while being slightly behind at the end of the season. Even if some foreigners are also "JIFF", it is clear that some of the others will not play often in top 14. But there is still six european games to add without limitations.

Load More Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Latest Features

LONG READ

How long can South Africa hedge their bets in both hemispheres?

While Rassie Erasmus' Springboks have conquered all in their path, the ex-Super Rugby franchises have struggled to deliver at the level beneath.

LONG READ

Bordeaux’s thrilling pretenders and salary cap changes threaten Toulouse supremacy

A talented Bordeaux side and proposals to cut the salary cap and credits for Test players present a twin challenge to Toulouse.

LONG READ

Retiring Care and Youngs leave worthy legacy to emerging England scrum-halves

England's new generation of No.9s will have to go some to match the class and durability of retiring duo.

Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 5 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 5 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 5 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 5 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 5 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

My name is Solenn Bonnet, and I am a single mother navigating the challenges of raising my two-year-old child while trying to make ends meet. I came across a trading platform that promised astonishing daily profits of 18%. The allure of such a high return on investment was too tempting to resist, and I found myself drawn into cryptocurrency trading. Excited by the prospect of financial freedom, I invested a significant amount of my savings, totaling over 5.7 BTC. However, what started as a hopeful venture quickly turned into a nightmare. The platform was a scam, and I lost everything I had invested. The emotional toll of this loss was immense; I felt devastated and helpless, struggling to provide for my child and keep up with my bills. In my desperate attempt to recover my funds, I sought help from various recovery experts. Unfortunately, I encountered numerous fraudulent individuals who claimed they could help me retrieve my lost money. Each time I reached out, I was met with disappointment and further scams, which only deepened my despair. Last year was one of the most challenging periods of my life, filled with anxiety and uncertainty about my financial future. Feeling overwhelmed and at a loss, I confided in a close friend from church about my situation. She listened compassionately and shared her own experiences with financial difficulties. Understanding my plight, she introduced me to Tech Cyber Force Recovery, a group of skilled hackers known for their expertise in recovering lost funds. Skeptical yet hopeful, I decided to reach out to them as a last resort. Their services came at a higher cost, but my friend generously offered to help me with a partial payment. I was amazed by how quickly they responded and began the recovery process. Their team was professional, efficient, and incredibly supportive throughout the entire ordeal. To my relief, they successfully recovered more than I had lost to those heartless scammers. This was truly transformative, and I felt a sense of relief and gratitude that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I strongly encourage anyone who has faced similar challenges or fallen victim to scams to reach out to Tech Cyber Force Recovery. If you’ve invested in a fraudulent platform like I did, they are highly capable of helping you reclaim your hard-earned money. Don’t lose hope; there is a way to recover what you’ve lost.

CONSULT TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY

EMAIL.. support@techyforcecyberretrieval.com

WhatsApp.. +15617263697

website.. https://techyforcecyberretrieval.com

Telegram.. +15617263697

0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 5 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍

37 Go to comments

NB 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Always the same at the other place. Some of those perceptions of him at the Tahs - lazy, overweight and slow - were impossible to shift!

37 Go to comments

NB 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Hang on to Miz Carlos!

37 Go to comments

LONG READ

LONG READ Bordeaux’s thrilling pretenders and salary cap changes threaten Toulouse supremacy Bordeaux’s thrilling pretenders and salary cap changes threaten Toulouse supremacy

The Kwagga Smith fairytale is sady over

How long can South Africa hedge their bets in both hemispheres?

Select Edition

Heavy-hitters: Every Top 14 side by height, weight and age

Where did it go wrong for the Boks in the first 60 vs NZ? | RPTV

Where did it go wrong for the Boks in the first 60 vs NZ? | RPTV

Related

South Africa vs New Zealand | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

Argentina vs Australia | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

Saitama Wildknights vs Tokyo Sungoliath | Japan Rugby League 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

The gruelling reality behind one of the fastest sports in the world | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 40 | The Steven Kitshoff Special

Perry Baker in the house | HSBC Life on Tour | Los Angeles

Confidence knocks and finding your people | Flo Williams | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Trending on RugbyPass

Leinster player ratings vs Glasgow Warriors | 2024/25 URC

Win comes at a cost as Dowson reels off injury list before Euro final

'Great tourist' backed to beat Jamieson Gibson-Park to Lions Test jersey

Dave Walder joins Exeter Chiefs with immediate effect

Fissler Confidential: Worcester to lure ex-England star out of retirement?

Henry Pollock switches position as Saints name 4 Lions for Saracens

Coaching clearout continues at Connacht

Scott Robertson outlines considerations for 2025 All Blacks selection

Comments

Latest Features

How long can South Africa hedge their bets in both hemispheres?

Bordeaux’s thrilling pretenders and salary cap changes threaten Toulouse supremacy

Retiring Care and Youngs leave worthy legacy to emerging England scrum-halves

Comments on RugbyPass