MAN v FAT Swansea’s Rugby players are set for a big 2026, having already shifted 250kgs since they got started.
The Swansea community have built a strong network of support for each other, which has seen a wealth of positive transformations.
As things get into full swing in the new year, we caught up with Craig Yeates and Chris Davies to find out how things have been going.
What was it made that you join MAN v FAT in the first place?
CD: “I just fancied a game of rugby. I played a huge amount in my youth and had a temporary break after Uni that ended up being permanent. It has always been a sense of regret for me but watching my son train with his U11 team gave me the kick to see if I could find something that I could call a comeback! MAN v FAT has been an excellent opportunity to play with a great set of lads and has become something I look forward to every week.”
CY: “I have always fluctuated with my weight and when I saw that MAN v FAT Rugby had arrived in Swansea it interested me. I have never played sports outside of school so I was a little nervous but when I realised you don’t need that experience, I knew it was something I would be interested in pursuing.”
How have you found it has supported your weight loss and wellbeing efforts so far?
CD: “I picked up my 5% award in my first season and have had a good start to my second. I find the games being on a Monday helps to keep me honest over the weekend and whilst I have not cut anything out, wanting to help the team with the weigh in element of the scoring is a motivator for me.”
CY: “The camaraderie of the players has really helped me feel encouraged and motivated to take part, especially if I have had a plateau in my progress, we all hold each other accountable and support one another which I have never had in my own personal dieting and exercise before.”
What are the best parts of being a part of a community like MAN v FAT?
CD: “It’s good to be part of a team again and to be around people who have similar goals is good for everyone.”
CY: “The group of players are always helpful, but the excitement of turning up for a game and having the opportunity to be the top of the league or win the cup is a huge motivator for someone who has an ounce of competitiveness in them.”
What are your long term health goals?
CD: “I would like to lose a bit more weight. I’m a few kg away from the lowest I have weighed since my student days but it’s more than the weight alone. It’s the knowledge I can throw a ball around with my children and keep up with them when I do. It’s being able to pace them when they do junior parkruns and being healthier helps me be a better example to them and I’m convinced, a better father too.”
CY: “Losing more weight and getting healthier habits that stick.”
Want to join the lads?
You can sign up for the MAN v FAT Rugby club in Swansea by visiting our website – we also have a number of other clubs across the UK and would love to welcome you aboard!
