FORMER Weymouth rugby player Iain MacConnachie has made an impressive start to his powerlifting career.

MacConnachie, 29, who only took up the sport two years ago, was selected to represent England at the British Drug-Free Powerlifting Association’s (BDFPA) Four Nations Championships at Brent-wood Leisure Centre in Essex.

England, the defending champions, went on retain their title ahead of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Powerlifting, which comprises the squat, bench press and deadlift, is an emerging sport in the UK, with competitors lifting in strict weight classes, much like Olympic weightlifting – the winner is the lifter with highest overall total.

MacConnachie, pictured, trains at the Future Physiques gym in Wey-mouth and finished second at the individual World Championships in Glasgow last year.

That performance prompted his call-up to the national team.

He has attracted lots of attention since taking up powerlifting and has had help with his physiotherapy from Mark Ward of Synergy Life Management, as well as assistance with nutrition from New Body Fitness.