With the squad no longer in team training during these uncertain times, we catch up with club nutritionist Dan Richardson about the dietary advice in place for the players while staying home.

There will obviously be a different approach to nutrition during this time away from full training, what do the players need to be aware of at the moment?

“The guys are still trying to hit certain targets and certain weights while trying to maintain their fitness with it being in season. With us not knowing when we will restart again it’s important that we maintain the weight loss, weight gain or weight maintenance of the players while also trying to maintain muscle mass, especially with them not being in full training. I’m looking at making sure their protein intake is high enough, while making sure they are getting their vitamins and minerals- these are a must to try and boost their immune system to keep fit and healthy.

“For quite a lot of the time it is almost the opposite of what people think; in terms of rugby players you want to make sure they keep that lean mass. We don’t want them losing weight because if they come back and are a lot skinnier we are not going to have as big a pack in the forwards!”

What advice have you offered to the players?

“In terms of the nutrition aspect I’ve tried to keep it as simple as possible for the players as they haven’t got me there, so keeping it as an easy guide to follow while fitting around their workout schedules at home is important. Obviously with them being at home around their family a lot more they will be eating meals with them, so I’ve tried to make it all a bit more ‘family friendly’ so they can sit round the table together.”

Will you be keeping in touch with the players directly during this time?

“I work with a few of the players closely anyway, just with them needing to hit certain targets, so I will definitely be staying in touch with them. All the lads have my number to get in touch whenever they want, so will get the odd question now an again and I will check-in with as many as possible over this time to make sure they are comfortable with what they are doing. A lot of the lads are really good with their nutrition so it’s a case of letting them crack on and if they have any questions they know where I am.”

Nutrition | At home with the players