But powerful Otago No8 Dylan Nel is set up nicely to flourish during the nationwide lockdown which was sprung on the country early last week.
The 28-year-old rented some gym equipment just before New Zealand was plunged into Covid-19 Alert Level 4 and everything shut down.
Turns out it was good call. Now he has a functioning home gym, which is just as well.
The trainers’ eyes are everywhere these days. Social media sees all.
The Otago players have a set programme they have to get through "so we are ticking the body over", Nel said.
New Zealand Rugby was forced to cancel all rugby this week but remains committed to playing a full schedule.
The country, or at least part of it, will have to drop down to Alert Level 2 first and that seems some way off, given the expansion of the latest outbreak.
Otago’s round three game against Northland was postponed and its match against Canterbury scheduled for Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow was also put on hold.
At this stage Nel feels it would only take a week of contact training to prepare for a return to play.
"But it all depends how long we are out for," he said.
"That is why it is important for the boys to use this time to get some fitness in so when we do head back to training we are not behind."
The one upside with the interruption to the playing schedule is Otago might have a few more fit bodies available.
Former Australian prop Jermaine Ainsley, who injured his ankle earlier this year, will have another two weeks of rehab behind him.
The break should help first five Josh Ioane shake off a head knock he suffered in the season-opener against Southland, while veteran hooker Liam Coltman was ruled out for the season with a knee injury but might be able to feature if the season is lengthened to fit in the full schedule.
"It is actually a blessing in disguise in that sense," Nel said.
Nel has been pleased with his form so for. He has expanded his game this season to include more lineout jumping to go along with the usual crash and bash he is known for.
Just with the mix of Otago’s loose forward trio, there is no clear third lineout option and Nel wants to fill the void.
"I wasn’t really an option in previous years but I’ve actually added a string to my bow and worked on that. During the season for Green Island I was a nifty option and it showed in the Southland game when I actually got quite a few, which was surprising to me."
Nel has been working alongside Otago lock Josh Dickson to improve his aerial skills.
"I love carrying. I’d run into a brick wall but just whatever the team needs I’m keen to work on."
