ABSTRACT
Appropriate nutrition can often be the missing ingredient in a rugby player's physical preparation and match day performance. Developing an appropriate individualised nutritional plan for a rugby player requires a comprehensive understanding of the roles of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and how these can be manipulated dependent upon the training and/or competition goal of the player. Unfortunately, there is a currently much inappropriate advice recommenced to players based on no or poor science. This chapter will offer a “science-based” examination of the nutritional requirements of the rugby player that enable the reader to develop individual dietary plans. Sports supplements will also be covered with solid recommendations for their use where appropriate.
