Two Wales back-row contenders have been packing on the pounds in a bid to meet the physical demands of Test rugby and force their way into Steve Tandy's squad. Ryan Woodman and Alex Mann have both undergone significant physical changes ahead of the new season, with the pair determined to use their added bulk to strengthen their claims for international honours.
Woodman at career-high weight
Woodman has added around 2kg or 3kg over the summer and now weighs approximately 117kg (18st 4lb), making him the heaviest he has ever been. The 22-year-old Dragons flanker was handed his first taste of senior international rugby when he came off the bench for Wales in the uncapped clash with the Barbarians at Twickenham in June.
Now he is determined to build on that experience and put himself firmly in contention for the Nations Championship squad, which is due to be named in around three weeks. A high-profile Welsh derby against the Scarlets at Rodney Parade on Saturday provides Woodman with another opportunity to impress.
"It's a big goal in my career right now, getting that first cap," he said. "I just want to keep going in that positive direction and that's going to happen by taking the feedback I have had from the Welsh coaches. They tell you what they are looking for and what your work-ons are to get in the squad. That's my aim this season, to work on what I've been told I need to work on."
Physical presence in the No.6 role
One of those areas is becoming a more imposing physical presence in the No.6 role. "I just want to be even more of a physical presence on the pitch as that big six role," Woodman said. "I want to try and dominate other teams more. That's the main goal for me this season."
Woodman got a taste of the physical demands at international level against the Barbarians, where he packed down alongside Wales forwards including Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright and Dewi Lake. He was also up against a heavyweight pack containing several players weighing around 130kg.
"When I played against the Barbarians, the size of that pack was ridiculous," he said. "I think they had four or five players that were 130kgs. The South African and Irish sides are really physical and we have equally physical players here at the Dragons. We have people like Levi Douglas and Harrison Keddie. I personally wouldn't want to tackle them! Ben Carter, for example, is just such a physical player. That's where I want to be with my game."
That has led to a summer spent trying to add bulk, with Woodman admitting he has been keeping a particularly close eye on his weight. "I'm just trying to pack on the weight. I've added about 2kgs or 3kgs over the summer," he said. "I go up and down quite a lot, but I'm trying to stay at a decent weight now. I'm at about 117kgs (18st 4lbs). It's probably the biggest I've ever been."
Mann adds up to 6kg
But Woodman is not the only Wales back-row contender who has been working on his size. Mann has revealed he is up to 6kg heavier ahead of the new season as he prepares for the demands of the Nations Championship. The 24-year-old is one of the most industrious and physical back-rowers around but has also recognised the need to add more size as he looks to compete at international level.
"I'm about 5kg to 6kg up," Mann said. "I think Steve has been really good with that. I had a conversation with Steve and he just spoke about performances. I think I've got to realise what I'm good at as well. Growing up and chasing certain numbers on a scale doesn't necessarily mean you are going to be a better rugby player on the pitch. It's how it works within my game and I've been working hard on that behind the scenes with the S&C coaches on how to do the work in the gym to see performances out on the pitch."
Mann says the additional weight has been carefully managed, with the focus on becoming stronger without compromising his game. "It's always been at the back of my mind but naturally now I'm getting older and it is naturally coming on for me so the stronger I can get and the fitter I can get with the weight as well. It's got to be good weight because sometimes you put on weight and it's not good for you. I did in my own time and I'm happy with that. It's only going to make me a better player on the pitch so that's what I'm pleased with."
Autumn internationals ahead
Wales face Japan, New Zealand and Australia this autumn, with Mann confident the side can continue to make progress under Tandy. "I think it's just improving each day and improving each game and whenever we are with each other it's having that growth and everyone on that same page," he said. "I think we've come a long way and a year's a long time to improve and get better. I think if you look at last year, the progress we made over that year. I think another year on top of that with everything Steve and the coaching staff are doing there's no reason why we can't put in performances on the pitch. I honestly don't think we are far off that. That's what everyone in the building wants. We want to win and I think that's quite clear so everyone is working towards that."
