University of Rhode Island prop forward Darryl Brooks was in intense competition this past weekend, but it wasn’t in rugby.

On Sunday in San Antonio, Texas, Brooks competed in the NCAA Powerlifting Championships. A big, powerful prop, Brooks competed in the 1

20-kg-plus division. He logged a squat of 270kg, a bench press of 155kg, and a dead lift of 250kg. 

“We’re proud of him,” said URI Coach Mike Traynor. “Darryl came to us three years ago and he was a competitor, but he was over 300 lbs. We would run ten yards and then walk ten. But he worked really hard to build up his stamina.”

While still competing as a powerlifter, Brooks ailed down the tighthead prop spot for Rhode Island’s rugby team. He dropped to about 260lbs, and continued to build his understanding of rugby.

“He’s very coachable and he’s got skills,” said Traynor. “He handles the ball better than most backs, and he’s really smart.”

Brooks made all-conference for URI as a prop, and his strength was certainly on display this weekend in San Antonio.