Lecture 10: Rugby Nutrition

Question 1

What type of sport is rugby?

Answer 1

Predominately an anaerobic sport (lots of high-speed running)

Question 2

How much exercise do rugby players do per game?

Answer 2

Players could play 80 or more minutes, can cover 6-9kms per game, 2-3kms are faster than 5.5m/s - higher the level the higher the intensity

Question 3

Since rugby is a contact sport what needs to be considered?

Answer 3

High injury risk, recovery is very important!

Question 4

What is the hydration demand of rugby?

Answer 4

High - can lose up to 2-3kgs from game or training, important for cognitive function and performance

Question 5

What are the different rugby seasons?

Answer 5

Pre-season = high demand
Season = games
Off-season = low demand

Question 6

What does working in a professional rugby environment look like?

Answer 6

You will be part of a big team - need to be able to communicate and collaborate

Question 7

What are the different roles of a sports nutritionist?

Answer 7

1. Body composition and meal planning
2. Seminars and cooking classes
3. Menu planning and supplement safety
4. Resource development

Question 8

What are skinfolds used for?

Answer 8

To determine if they are meeting the body requirements for their specific position

Question 8

What is resource development?

Answer 8

• Educating athletes through visual aid
• Providing guidance around nutrition
• Creating awareness around common injuries e.g. flu, dehyration

Question 9

What are seminars used for?

Answer 9

To clarify ideas and educate large groups

Question 10

What are cooking classes used for?

Answer 10

Teaching cooking skills and providing recipes

Question 11

What is menu planning used for?

Answer 11

Tournament’s, away games, recovery

Question 12

How is supplement safety implemented?

Answer 12

Screening for banned substances, checking players supplements

Question 13

What is Academy/Club Rugby?

Answer 13

First professional environment for most athletes, fresh out of school, minimal education, unpaid

Question 14

What are the key aspects to cover for academy/club rugby?

Answer 14

• Making sure the basics around nutrition are understood
• Organisation skills
• Hydration
• Recovery
• Game day prep

Question 15

What is semi professional (NPC) rugby?

Answer 15

First exposure to being a part-time athlete, juggling work, home and training in pre-season

Question 16

What are the key aspects to address for semi-professional rugby?

Answer 16

• Key basics
• Hydration
• Supplementation safety
• Nutrition when travelling
• Recovery
• Work/life/sport balance

Question 17

What is professional (super) rugby?

Answer 17

Rugby is a full-time job, rugby is their focus the whole year, heavier training load

Question 18

What are the key aspects to cover for professional rugby?

Answer 18

• Recovery
• Injury prevention (injuries can ruin their careers)
• Supplement safety
• Compliance (overconfidence)

Question 19

What are the challenges with womens rugby?

Answer 19

• Budget constraint
• Very selective food choices
• Less time with them as most not full-time
• Negative food relationship

Question 20

What are the barriers with Maori and pacific in nutrition?

Answer 20

• Language barriers
• Expectations from family, has influence on their choices
• Mistrust with health professionals

Question 21

How to successfully work with Maori and pacific athletes

Answer 21

• Include key family members
• Healthier alternative traditional dishes
• Understand their culture

Question 22

Key concepts to consider with Maori and pacific athlete consultation?

Answer 22

• Understand the environment
• Establish relationships
• Incorporate their language
• Collaborate with family
• Ask questions