- England’s Six Nations squad hit the gym in the build-up to their clash with Wales
- Jack Nowell pressed two 60kg dumbbells as England prepared for Saturday
- Maro Itoje, Jack Nowell, Mako Vunipola and George Kruis also did heavy lifting
England limbered up for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Wales by hitting the gym.
Eddie Jones men began the defence of their title with a 46-15 victory over Italy in Rome last weekend, but they will have to raise their level when Wales — who kicked off their campaign by thrashing Scotland 34–7 — visit Twickenham.
Should Saturday’s match turn into a battle of strength, England will surely fancy their chances after showing off their physical prowess on Instagram.
Jack Nowell, 24, displayed incredible upper body strength as England hit the gym this week
Exeter Chiefs ace Nowell pressed two 60kg dumbbells as England prepared to host Wales
Maro Itoje looked in fine shape as he got ready for England’s second 2018 Six Nations match
England Rugby posted a video on Thursday showing the likes of James Haskell, Maro Itoje, Jack Nowell, Mako Vunipola and George Kruis working out.
The video was accompanied by the message: ‘Train hard. Play hard. Putting the reps in ahead of Saturday’s #ENGvWAL clash.’
Exeter Chiefs ace Nowell displayed incredible upper-body strength as he pressed two 60kg dumbbells.
Flanker Itoje also looked in fine shape as he prepared for a showdown with Lions team-mate Alun Wyn Jones.
‘It’s a completely different setting, different team, different environment,’ Itoje said this week. ‘We were room-mates for a couple of weeks and we got on very well.
‘He let his hair down a bit. I’m fortunate enough that I have quite long, free-flowing hair. He’s severely balding but I think he’s come to terms with that now.
‘He’s very professional, trains hard and is diligent with his preparation.’
England will go into Saturday’s game as heavy favourites, having triumphed on each of their last four meetings with Wales.
Red Rose loosehead prop Mako Vunipola — who weighs 19st 1lb — did some heavy lifting too
Twenty-seven-year-old Saracens star George Kruis grimaced as he did a gruelling set of squats
Flanker James Haskell was seen doing some stretching ahead of the big match at Twickenham