Brothers give Quins a lesson in power game
Harlequins players were humbled this week as the world’s strongest brothers visited their Surrey training ground to put them through their paces in a series of high-intensity challenges.
Tom Stoltman, 28, is the strongest man in the world having defended his title before Christmas, while brother Luke, 38, is a regular top ten contender.
The brothers, who weigh a combined 52 stone, made a big impression on Quins loose-head prop Fin Baxter, below, who has made 12 Premiership appearances.
He said: “Having the Stoltman brothers come in and dwarf everyone was pretty surreal.
“We didn’t know they were coming and were all getting on with our gym sessions and lads were pretty happy with what they’d put up on the board and they came in and did 25-plus reps of it which was funny.”
The video, released by Reign Total Body Fuel, saw the brothers try their hand at scrummaging before going head-to-head with England fly-half Marcus Smith in a goal kicking contest.
“I’m going to the physio after this,” Baxter said after having to carry 180kg behemoth Tom on his back in a scrum position.
“Usually we do those with each other and they are just bearable but with Tom on my back I had to have a bit of a time out afterwards.”
This season, Baxter has fully capitalised on his opportunities and become a key part of Quins’ squad, epitomised by his man of the match performance in their Champions Cup victory against Racing 92.
Baxter, 20, added: “Coming into Quins you’re surprised and shocked about the strength and size of the professionals.
“Wilco Louw is a joke and likes to show how massive he is, and Joe Marler lifts a lot of weight.”
Harlequins head coach, Tabai Matson, added: “There’s much we can learn from the Stoltmans’ commitment, intensity, and graft.
“Their kicking needs some work, so no contract discussions just yet, but watch this space!”
