The Rise of JJ van der Mescht: Rugby's Towering Talent Ready to Make Waves
JJ van der Mescht, standing at 6ft 7in and weighing 146kg, is making a significant impact on the rugby field as he prepares for Northampton's crucial Champions Cup quarter-final against Bath. Known for his massive presence, Van der Mescht's size is a game-changer, especially when he thunders into contact, creating major collisions that even Bath's formidable forwards must brace for. Having been included in a South African alignment squad ahead of their upcoming Tests against England, Scotland, and Wales, Van der Mescht's performance is drawing attention. His history with Thomas du Toit, a former teammate at the Sharks, adds a personal edge to the match. "Oh, 100%, yeah," he remarked about the respect and competition between them, recalling the physical training sessions he endured against seasoned players like Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira. Despite his intimidating stature, Van der Mescht relates closely to Will Skelton in playing style, aiming to contribute vital post-contact meters on the pitch. Phil Dowson, Saints’ director of rugby, emphasizes Van der Mescht's unique skills, noting, “People are getting bigger but he’s genuinely a freak.” Since joining Saints, Van der Mescht has rediscovered his passion for rugby, stating, “Something has clicked.” His newfound enjoyment comes alongside a disciplined approach to nutrition, as he fasts during the day and has lost weight since arriving. With ambitions to represent the Springboks, he remains patient, understanding the competitive landscape of South African rugby. Dowson believes in his potential, stating that Van der Mescht has much more to offer as he continues to develop.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-04-09