Imagine a 23-stone (145kg) giant, towering at 6ft 7in, charging towards you at full speed. Terrifying, right? Meet JJ Van der Mescht, Northampton’s rugby powerhouse, whose sheer size and speed make him a force to be reckoned with on the field. But here’s where it gets fascinating: this isn’t just about brute strength. Van der Mescht’s journey is a blend of athleticism, discipline, and a lifestyle that defies conventional norms—he thrives on just one meal a day.
Even among professional rugby players, Van der Mescht stands out—literally and metaphorically. As one of the heaviest and tallest players in the Premiership, he’s a sight to behold. But don’t let his size fool you; this man is no slow mover. As a schoolboy, he sprinted the 100m in a blistering 11 seconds flat. For defenders, that’s a nightmare scenario—a player who combines power, height, and speed into one unstoppable package.
Since joining Northampton, Van der Mescht has become a linchpin in their game plan. With fellow South African Juarno Augustus moving to Ulster, the 26-year-old has stepped up, averaging an impressive 12 carries per game. What’s more, he leads the league in dominant carries, proving that his impact goes beyond mere stats. ‘Taking the ball at full tilt is an amazing feeling,’ he shares. ‘I thrive on the physicality—it’s something I’ve always loved.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Van der Mescht’s diet. After tipping the scales at 160kg (25st 3lbs) post-wedding celebrations in 2022, he adopted intermittent fasting, now fueling his colossal frame with just one meal a day. His go-to? A big steak. ‘My stomach has shrunk,’ he explains. ‘It works for me, but it’s not for everyone.’ This unconventional approach raises questions: Is one meal enough for an elite athlete? Or is Van der Mescht onto something the rest of us are missing?
Off the field, Van der Mescht’s story takes an emotional turn. After feeling anonymous in Paris, he and his wife Carla have found a sense of belonging in a small village outside Northampton. The community’s warmth—from fans stopping him on the street to neighbors sending Christmas cards—has left a deep impression. ‘I really, really love it,’ he says. ‘It’s that community sense I missed in France.’
And this is the part most people miss: Van der Mescht’s passion extends beyond professional rugby. He’s been volunteering to coach the nearby Towcestrians, inspired by their love for the game despite juggling full-time jobs. ‘It reminded me why I play rugby,’ he reflects. ‘It’s not just a job—it’s my passion.’
With South Africa’s Springboks boasting world-class locks like Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, Van der Mescht’s international ambitions are no small feat. Yet, he remains grounded. ‘My focus is on improving myself,’ he says. ‘If I get better, the rest will follow.’ But the question lingers: Could his unique X-factor earn him a call from Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus?
As Van der Mescht continues to dominate the Premiership, one thing is clear: this one-meal man is rewriting the rules of rugby—and maybe even nutrition. Is his approach the future of athletic performance, or a risky gamble? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
