Lecture 10: Rugby Nutrition Flashcards
What type of sport is rugby?
Predominately an anaerobic sport (lots of high-speed running)
How much exercise do rugby players do per game?
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
Since rugby is a contact sport what needs to be considered?
High injury risk, recovery is very important!
What is the hydration demand of rugby?
High - can lose up to 2-3kgs from game or training, important for cognitive function and performance
What are the different rugby seasons?
Pre-season = high demand
Season = games
Off-season = low demand
What does working in a professional rugby environment look like?
You will be part of a big team - need to be able to communicate and collaborate
What are the different roles of a sports nutritionist?
- Body composition and meal planning
- Seminars and cooking classes
- Menu planning and supplement safety
- Resource development
What are skinfolds used for?
To determine if they are meeting the body requirements for their specific position
What is resource development?
- Educating athletes through visual aid
- Providing guidance around nutrition
- Creating awareness around common injuries e.g. flu, dehyration
What are seminars used for?
To clarify ideas and educate large groups
What are cooking classes used for?
Teaching cooking skills and providing recipes
What is menu planning used for?
Tournament’s, away games, recovery
How is supplement safety implemented?
Screening for banned substances, checking players supplements
What is Academy/Club Rugby?
First professional environment for most athletes, fresh out of school, minimal education, unpaid
What are the key aspects to cover for academy/club rugby?
- Making sure the basics around nutrition are understood
- Organisation skills
- Hydration
- Recovery
- Game day prep
What is semi professional (NPC) rugby?
First exposure to being a part-time athlete, juggling work, home and training in pre-season
What are the key aspects to address for semi-professional rugby?
- Key basics
- Hydration
- Supplementation safety
- Nutrition when travelling
- Recovery
- Work/life/sport balance
What is professional (super) rugby?
Rugby is a full-time job, rugby is their focus the whole year, heavier training load
What are the key aspects to cover for professional rugby?
- Recovery
- Injury prevention (injuries can ruin their careers)
- Supplement safety
- Compliance (overconfidence)
What are the challenges with womens rugby?
- Budget constraint
- Very selective food choices
- Less time with them as most not full-time
- Negative food relationship
What are the barriers with Maori and pacific in nutrition?
- Language barriers
- Expectations from family, has influence on their choices
- Mistrust with health professionals
How to successfully work with Maori and pacific athletes
- Include key family members
- Healthier alternative traditional dishes
- Understand their culture
Key concepts to consider with Maori and pacific athlete consultation?
- Understand the environment
- Establish relationships
- Incorporate their language
- Collaborate with family
- Ask questions
