JJ Van der Mescht: The 23-Stone, One-Meal Wonder from Northampton
Imagine facing off against a towering figure who weighs in at 145 kg (22st 12lb) – that’s the kind of daunting challenge JJ van der Mescht presents on the rugby field. "It must be terrifying," he shared with BBC Look East, acknowledging the fear that defenders might feel when they see him charging forward. Standing at an impressive two meters (6ft 7in), this Northampton lock doesn’t just stand out among his peers; he commands attention.
Even in the competitive world of professional rugby, Van der Mescht is a remarkable presence. He holds the title of being one of the heaviest players in the Premiership while also boasting significant height. But there’s more to him than just size – he’s surprisingly quick for someone of his stature. Back in his school days, he was able to sprint the 100 meters in an impressive 11 seconds flat, a statistic that would send chills down the spines of any potential tacklers.
Ever since his arrival at Northampton, following the departure of fellow South African Juarno Augustus to Ulster, Van der Mescht has stepped up to fill the gap in carrying the ball for the team. At just 26 years old, he averages an impressive 12 carries per game in the top league and has recorded the highest share of dominant carries among forwards, showcasing his prowess on the field. "Taking the ball at full tilt is an incredible feeling," he expressed passionately. "I’ve always loved that aspect of the game. The physicality of it all really drives me."
Interestingly, Van der Mescht's journey has also involved a significant transformation in his lifestyle and eating habits. After indulging in some hearty wedding festivities in 2022, he returned to his former club Stade Francais weighing 160 kg (25st 3lbs). Since then, he has adopted intermittent fasting, a dietary approach where he restricts himself to one meal a day. "My favorite meal is definitely a large steak," he reveals, explaining that he has adjusted to this routine. "I find I can’t eat much more than that anymore. My stomach has shrunk, so I usually just enjoy one meal in the evening. Occasionally I’ll have a snack if I feel low on energy, and on game days, I make sure to eat some pasta beforehand. But overall, it’s one meal a day for me. It’s not for everyone, but it certainly works for my body."
This diet aligns seamlessly with the Saints' high-tempo gameplay, characterized by swift ball movement and recycling, helping them secure the top position in the Premiership halfway through the season. "Playing in the Premiership is a lot faster compared to the Top 14, especially within a team that emphasizes quick ball movement. I need to remain agile and keep pace with my brilliant teammates," Van der Mescht noted, emphasizing his commitment to not let his team down.
The emotional bond he has formed with Northampton is profound. Recently, he and his wife Carla moved to a quaint village located about 12 miles from the city, and the sense of belonging they’ve found here is palpable. After a time in the bustling anonymity of Paris, they now feel truly settled. "The people are fantastic. The fans are incredibly supportive. I often walk down the street and have fans come up to me, saying things like, ‘JJ, it's great to meet you.’ That kind of community interaction is something I genuinely cherish," he reflected.
The couple was overwhelmed by the warm reception they received during the holiday season when their new neighbors sent them a flood of Christmas cards, bringing Carla to tears. In addition to settling down, Van der Mescht has also been dedicating his free time to coach local rugby players at Towcestrians. "Seeing these guys balancing their nine-to-five jobs with training, yet always arriving with smiles and enthusiasm, reminded me why I love this game so much. I play rugby not just as a job, but because I have a genuine passion for it."
Having represented South Africa in the under-20 World Cup back in 2019, Van der Mescht is also eyeing another opportunity on the international stage. With veteran locks like Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, and Franco Mostert all over 30, there’s speculation that Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus might soon be interested in the unique talents Van der Mescht brings. "For every South African player, representing your country is a dream. Since childhood, wearing the Springboks jersey has been a goal," he shared. "We have many exceptional locks in the squad, and while I’m focused on improving my own game rather than obsessively aiming for that Springbok spot, I trust that if I keep working hard, those opportunities will arise. It’s definitely a dream I hold dear."
As the season progresses, defenses across the league should start preparing themselves for the powerful force that is JJ Van der Mescht.
