Tom Rowland: Former England under-18 prop on weight-restricted rugby
Rowland’s initial weight loss was during the co-lockdown period. He was unable to expel the likes of Yann Thomas and Jake Woolmore in the first team and was released by Bristol.
No chance to get weight, but want to stay healthy, he starts running every day.
Roland’s body shape changed dramatically when the restrictions eased and he met with his friends again, and they thought he was sick.
Roland felt the opposite.
“I just flew over and I feel much better,” he said. “I have more energy – I do have to sell the entire closet and buy new clothes!”
In 2021, he also moved to a new country, taking advantage of his New Zealand passport that he owned through his mother.
In the other hemisphere, things turned into reverse.
Where he used to pile up in any way he did, now he had to pay attention to the weighing hours before the game.
Like boxers, some players will lose weight in the sauna the night before, and then hang down carb food in the locker room.
Cramps can spread to those who misjudged their pre-game routine.
This is not a problem when New Zealand’s teams with 85kg below 85kg compete in the first match. At least not Rowland and his little black teammates.
Their two games with Candy and Colombo’s entire Sri Lankan national team (ranked 40th in the world), are aggravating.
A 105kg (16lb) hat has been used to ensure there is no difference between the owner and the visitor.
“It would be fun to see if we can have something of our own, obviously a little lighter than that,” Roland said.
The growth potential of restrictive rugby may be primarily at the grassroots level, retaining those who think rugby is a game of all sizes, but they prefer formats with more evenly matched physiques.
“There will definitely be a bag of players who will really like this football. I think it will only be good for the game and keep people playing,” Roland said.
“I think this idea will be great in Europe.”
If so, I hope to host a weight-limited World Cup in the long term.
Rowland watched former teammate Smith’s move against the All Blacks in Eden Park in July, theoretically he could make black and white decisions. Go to England or New Zealand.
“Tough, difficult problem.” He smiled.
However, it may still be less difficult than the sixth meal of the day.
