Leader of the pack weighs up for Bond
TAI Ford is the bodybuilder turned rugby ace frequently putting in 17-hour days as he balances the Bond University captaincy with helping others transform their body.
The 27-year-old has led from the front in turning around the Bullsharks’ Queensland Premier Rugby season. They host leaders GPS this afternoon with the chance to extend their winning streak to four games.
Ford’s form at the back of the Bond pack has come despite a workload that can be a testing juggling act.
“It’s really hard, especially that we do three sessions a week,” said Ford, who weighs 106kg and can bench press 140kg.
“That’s a really busy time at the gym. I work all morning and then I work all afternoon so I’m at work for like 14 hours and then go straight from the gym to training.
“I have to try to get in as many clients as possible so I end up leaving home at 4am and get home at 9pm.
“I might show up to the (Bond) video sessions a bit later but I make sure I get to all of the rugby sessions because the boys can’t have me not showing up. It’s a struggle, it’s hard work but hey let’s just hope it all pays off.”
Ford has a huge social media presence – he has more than 25,000 Instagram followers – and away from the gym, he channels his personal experience in his role as a transformation specialist at the EMF Performance Centre in Robina.
Even when he can’t be pumping heavy weights alongside Bullsharks teammates, the club has no doubt about who the man to beat is in the gym.
Ford has spoken of the growing belief in the Bond camp and their chances against GPS will only be aided by the return of Reds hooker Alex Mafi.
Dangerous fullback Joey Fittock however is under an injury cloud after hurting his foot against Wests last round and will need to pass a fitness test this morning to be cleared to play.
Back-rower Tipene Mavoa makes his return today in reserve grade following the syndesmosis surgery that ruled him out of contention for the ongoing World Rugby U20 Championship in France.
I MAKE SURE I GET TO ALL OF THE RUGBY SESSIONS BECAUSE THE BOYS CAN’T HAVE ME NOT SHOWING UP
TAI FORD