England’s rugby players are renowned for their robust appetites, and for good reason. Dr. James Morehen, the team’s performance nutritionist, and Thomas Kirby, England Rugby’s head chef, collaborate closely to guarantee that the players receive the necessary nutrition to excel on the field. The amount of food consumed by the players, from copious amounts of fruits and vegetables to an impressive quantity of eggs, is truly astonishing.
In a revealing series of videos, Kirby has provided viewers with a glimpse into the astounding quantities of food that the England rugby squad consumes during a single week of training camp. Berries, bananas, potatoes, and pasta are devoured in the hundreds of kilograms, while milk is consumed in dozens of litres. The team goes through roughly 15,000 eggs, 2.5 tonnes of fruit, nearly a tonne of potatoes, and 2,500 litres of milk in the course of a Seven Nations or summer tour.
However, it is not just about the sheer volume of food. The team’s nutritionists are constantly seeking innovative methods to prepare meals and supplements to support the players’ athletic performance. For example, Morehen shared on Instagram that he devised a more palatable dessert to encourage the players to consume a particular supplement. Additionally, the players’ daily protein intake is meticulously monitored and comprises of a litre of collagen protein and half a kilo of clear whey protein, both of which are essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Yet, it is not solely about what the players consume – it is also about how their bodies are evaluated and monitored. Morehen introduced a state-of-the-art body composition assessment method, utilizing dual-energy X-ray (DEXA) scans to measure bone density and predict potential injury risks. This approach prioritizes functional gains over traditional skinfold measurements, with the goal of enhancing the players’ explosive power and overall physical condition.
Bristol Bears, where Morehen previously worked, implemented a similar strategy, resulting in significant gains in muscle mass and reductions in fat mass. Now, the plan is to replicate these results with the England team, as they undergo DEXA scans and performance assessments to monitor their functional mass change. This meticulous approach to nutrition and body composition assessment demonstrates the lengths to which England Rugby is willing to go to ensure the players are performing at their peak.
With an unwavering dedication to optimizing their players’ physical condition, England Rugby’s cutting-edge nutrition plan is undoubtedly a vital component of their overall success strategy. As they continue to push the boundaries of sports science, one thing is certain – England’s players are unquestionably well cared for.