4. Maro Itoje – England
18st 2lbs. 6ft 5in. Fast, strong, agile, intelligent and super fit. If The Pearl wasn’t an elite rugby player, you’d half expect to see him crushing skulls in Game of Thrones.
5. Ebene Etzebeth – South Africa
Enforcers hold a position of immense value and influence within the Springbok rugby team. For several years, Bakkies Botha embraced this role with an intense passion, and now, he has gracefully passed the torch to another formidable lock.
It comes as no surprise that Etzebeth excels at intimidating opponents on the field — such fierceness runs in his family. His uncle, Clifford, gained notoriety while playing for Western Province between 1977 and 1981. However, the approach to enforcing the game has evolved, requiring a cleaner, though still physically formidable, style.
Searching for information about Etzebeth online primarily leads to discussions about his impressive strength and dedication in the gym. In 2012, he effortlessly lifted weights at Western Province, prompting the club to order custom-made 165lb dumbbells, with George Ford, the England fly-half, weighing just 20lbs more.
