Chandler Cunningham-South was already one of England’s and Harlequins’ big boppers, but he comes into the new season bigger and bulkier.
The 23-year-old forward, who can play flanker, number eight and lock, already stands at 6′ 5″ and weighs 120kg, but this off-season has added yet more size to his already hulking frame.
‘I guess I’m filling out a bit as well’
“I’ve put a bit of size on,” he said. “I feel good; I feel ready to go. I’m excited for this year.
“I was in the gym, eating well in the off-season and just put a bit of size on. I’m still 23 so I guess I’m filling out a bit as well!”
That size certainly comes with a purpose, though, with Cunningham-South on a mission to help turn Quins’ fortunes around after a difficult season and, in doing so, get him back into the England match-day squad ahead of the World Cup.
“I just want to play well for Quins,” he detailed. “I want to have a good season this year and then what will come from that, who knows, hopefully some games for England.”
However, the big question hanging over him is what position he will play, for both club and country.
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After emerging as an out-and-out back-rower during his stints at London Irish and England U20s and then during the early stages of his career at Harlequins and England, he has since been shifted towards a utility role in recent seasons.
Of his 19 appearances for the Londoners last season, five came in the second-row, including four starts, while he also deputised in the engine room for England at various points. That also came after two starts for Quins at lock in the 2024/25 season and further cameos here for England across the summer tour of the Americas.
“I’ll play wherever the team needs me, to be honest,” he admitted. “I prefer six and eight, lock not so much, but if I’ve got to play there I’ve got to play there! I do my best.
“The first time was probably that Wales game (in the 2025 Six Nations), I was on the bench but ended up playing about 60 minutes in the second-row. It’s not bad; it’s not too different.
“When you’re scrummaging in the second-row, you feel it a lot more on the legs,” he added. “They’re heavier earlier on in the game, but in the back-row you can run around more freely.
“You get used to it, like if I was at lock every week I’d get used to it for sure, but it’s just a different role to being in the back-row. You’ve got to stay in the scrum for longer and you’re not as in the open (as in the back-row).
“I don’t mind it, to be honest. It’s a good string to add to my bow, so I can’t be angry about it.”