Dombrandt, 23, was lampooned by club boss Paul Gustard for his ‘university rig’ when he emerged from Cardiff Met two years ago to take the Premiership by storm.
Nobody is laughing now, though, as dedicated Dombrandt explains how he has shed ten kilos – over a stone and-a-half in old money – in an effort to deliver world-class performances that could persuade Red Rose boss Eddie Jones to give him a Six Nations shot.
Dombrandt told The Rugby Paper: “It was a big wake-up call coming from university into a professional environment. But I have been working hard on my fitness, a big area I needed to work on and get up to speed in the professional game.
“I’ve lost weight I needed to lose and I feel comfortable now and am working hard on my fitness to be able to stay involved in games.
“I was 127kg (20st) at my first training day, which is quite heavy, and now I’m sitting at 117kg (18st 4lbs) which is where I feel most effective.
Denne historien er fra December 20, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra December 20, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
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Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
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Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
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Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
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Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
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Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
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Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
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