A formidable and physically imposing Springbok has been recognised as one of the giants of world rugby.

In a standout group of the biggest and strongest players between the whitelines compiled by Ruck.co.uk, the list includes two Welshmen, an Irishman and an Englishman.

Renowned for his freakish strength and impressive arms, Bok lock Eben Etzebeth reportedly flings heavy weight around like packets of crisps during gym sessions.

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“At 6ft 8 and 280lbs, Eben Etzebeth must scare the sh*t out of his own family,” Ruck.co.uk stated. “[He] is such a tank he had to have custom-made dumbbells specially made for him, because the 65kg [145lb] ones were, and I quote, ‘too light’.”

Etzebeth, with regular skipper Siya Kolisi, were among the 13 Boks scheduled to leave for New Zealand on Tuesday in preparation to face the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship on 15 July.

Ruck’s Top 5 strongest players:
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
2. George North (Wales)
3. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
4. Sam Underhill (England)
5. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

Photo: Luca Sighinolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix