Imagine facing a rugby player so immense, he makes opposing defenses tremble with fear! That's the reality for teams playing against JJ van der Mescht, a towering presence for Northampton who is redefining what it means to be a dominant forward.
Van der Mescht, a colossal figure at 23 stone (145kg) and standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches (2 meters), admits that he can understand the apprehension of those who have to tackle him. "It must be terrifying," he shared, painting a vivid picture of his sheer physical presence. And it's not just his size; this gentle giant possesses surprising speed. In his schoolboy days, he could sprint the 100 meters in a blistering 11 seconds flat!
Since arriving at Northampton, van der Mescht has become a cornerstone of their attack, particularly in ball-carrying. He averages an impressive 12 carries per game in the top flight and boasts the highest percentage of dominant carries among all forwards in the league. "It's an amazing feeling, taking the ball at full tilt," he enthused. "It's something I've always loved to do, is taking the ball up. I really thrive for that. I like the physicality."
But here's where it gets truly remarkable: van der Mescht's immense power is now fueled by an astonishing dietary regimen. After a significant weight gain following wedding celebrations in 2022, where he tipped the scales at 25 stone 3lbs (160kg), he has adopted intermittent fasting. Now, incredibly, he thrives on just one meal a day! His go-to is a "big steak," and he admits his stomach has shrunk considerably, allowing him to manage with a single evening meal. "I'll snack sometimes if I really feel like I need some energy. And game day is a bit different - I'll eat some pasta before the game instead. But yeah, just one meal a day. Every person is different. It will work for some people, it won't work for some. I just found it works for me."
And this is the part most people miss: this unique approach to nutrition perfectly complements Northampton's fast-paced, high-tempo game. The team's success at the top of the Premiership is built on quick ball movement and rapid recycling, requiring players to be exceptionally mobile. Van der Mescht is determined to keep up. "Playing in the Prem, which is much faster than the Top 14, and especially in this team that moves the ball around, I need to be more mobile and keep up with all the boys who are just amazing players," he stated. "I don't want to let these guys down."
Beyond the rugby pitch, van der Mescht has found a deep sense of belonging. He and his wife Carla have settled in a small village near Northampton, a stark contrast to the anonymity they experienced in Paris. "I love the people. The fans are amazing. We'll be walking down the street and people come up to me and say 'JJ, it's so lovely to meet you'. That is amazing and I really, really, really love it," he shared, highlighting a community connection he deeply missed. The warmth of their new neighbours, evidenced by a flood of Christmas cards that moved his wife to tears, has solidified their feeling of home. Van der Mescht is also actively involved in the local community, volunteering his time to coach at nearby Towcestrians. Witnessing the dedication of these players, who juggle nine-to-five jobs with their passion for rugby, has reignited his own love for the game. "Seeing these guys working a nine-to-five, coming to training and they are always up for it," he observed. "Even if they do fitness, they're smiling, they're enjoying it, just loving the game. It really brought that back to me that I don't play because it is my job, it is because I love rugby."
Meanwhile, with South Africa's national team, the Springboks, boasting world-class locks who are entering their thirties, the question arises: could van der Mescht, a former South Africa U20 international, be on Rassie Erasmus's radar? "For every South African, it is a target to play for South Africa," he admitted. "Since you're a little kid, you always want to play for the Springboks." While acknowledging the incredible talent in the current squad, his focus remains on personal improvement. "I feel like I'm first working on myself to get better, rather than just focusing 100% on becoming a Springbok. If I focus on myself and focus on my rugby and getting better, that will come. I must trust the process, but it's definitely an ambition for me."
So, what do you think about JJ van der Mescht's incredible one-meal-a-day diet? Is it a sustainable approach to peak athletic performance, or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
