Rugby Supplements

Rugby is a challenging game both on and off the field. To perform at your peak and continue to improve players must ensure their nutrition is up to scratch. Whether you’re looking to push your game to the next level, recover faster from strenuous training sessions, or simply seeking to cope with the physical pressures of the game, supplementation may be perfect for you.

Prior to supplementation, athletes must first ensure they are receiving the majority of their nutrients from a well-rounded wholefood diet. Supplementation should not be relied on as a sole source of nutrition; it is only to supplement a diet.

Rugby Union and League are two of the most physically demanding sports on the earth. With required combinations of speed, strength, and endurance, Rugby players are required to develop a wide range of physically taxing attributes. Developing these attributes can take its toll on the body and that’s were supplementation and good nutrition comes into play.

Whether it’s a post–training protein shake, some pre-training pre workout, mid-training BCAA’s or daily greens, there’s a wide range of supplements that can enhance your game. It’s just about finding out what’s right for you.

In choosing rugby supplements you should first consider how often you train and what type of training you are doing. Are you doing a lot of resistance training in the gym in order to gain muscle, predominantly training for endurance, or both? Check out “Supps for Players” to help decide what’s right for you.

For tips and rugby supplementation advice, see below.

Around 2 hours prior to training/kick off, athletes should have a decent meal to give their body a fresh source of fuel. In the hour prior to training (especially if you have missed the prior meal) then it’s best to consume some source of high GI carbohydrates.

These high GI carbs, such as dextrose, provide the body with an instantly accessible source of energy. However those looking to lose weight can skip the high GI carbohydrate, unless they have a very demanding training schedule. Another way to prepare your body prior to training is True Pre. True Pre provides your body with the protein and amino acids it needs to achieve peak performance.

Intra-training supplements are only necessary for those who train either for long periods of time (over an hour) or more than once a day. Nevertheless, there are a wide range of intra-training alternatives. For those looking to gain muscle or to cope with a demanding training schedule, BCAA’s are a great intra supplement. BCAA’s help keep your body in an anabolic (muscle building) state, whilst also providing your muscles with a source of fuel. Finally, for those training for endurance (perhaps going for long runs or cycles to keep you fit in the off-season), then True Fuel is perfect for you. Packed full carbohydrates, electrolytes and essential amino acids, True Fuel ensures you can perform at your best for longer.

Following exercise there is a 15-30 minute window in which the body is craving protein the most. The most convenient way to satisfy this need is a post-workout protein shake. By providing your body with the protein it needs immediately post workout, you’re kick-starting the recovery process. This ensures your muscles will recover faster, be assisted in growth, and be less sore in the following days. A post-workout shake is also the perfect place to stack other muscle assisting supplements such as Glutamine and Creatine. These supplements can assist recovery whilst also supporting your immune system.