INTRODUCTION: Rugby players should aim to consume enough food to meet energy, macronutrient and micronutrient requirements. Failure to do so can negatively impact performance, recovery, health, well-being, cognitive function and may increase injury risk. Provincial academy players in New Zealand typically present congested schedules; alongside developmental rugby athletes will train and play at the local club level and balance study and work commitments. As such, monitoring and management of dietary intake is crucial. METHODS: Nine semi-professional developmental rugby union players (age = 20.6 ± 1.7 years; height = 186.3 ± 9.0cm; body mass = 102.4 ± 18.2kg; fat free mass = 82.9 ± 12.1kg) recorded dietary intake over a 4-week pre-season using the remote food photography method. Body composition was assessed via three-dimensional optical scanning. RESULTS: A total of 76 days were sufficiently logged. A large variability in daily total nutrient intake was observed (Energy = 2550 ± 914 kcal, protein = 135 ± 50 grams, carbohydrate = 270 ± 122 grams, fat = 97 ± 42 grams). Energy intake relative to fat free mass (FFM) was 31 ± 11 kcal.kg FFM. Relative to total body mass, protein intake was 1.3 ± 0.4 grams and carbohydrate intake 2.6 ± 1.3 grams. Requirements for protein and carbohydrates were not met on 49.4 and 96.6% of eating occasions, respectively. CONCLUSION: Energy intake relative to FFM did not meet the proposed threshold of 40kcal.kg FFM to ensure optimal energy availability for physiological functions in male athletes [1]; previous research has demonstrated that high-level rugby players may expend 61 kcal.kg FFM daily [2]. Failure to meet the optimal threshold may result in physiological and metabolic dysfunction [3], impairment to adaptive responses to exercise and performance [1,3], increased risk of injury or illness [1,3] and a failure to meet macronutrient and micronutrient requirements [3]. Indeed, relative protein intake was at the low end of recommendations for athletes, potentially compromising FFM during periods of energy deprivation, which may be further exacerbated by inadequate energy intake [1]. Similarly, carbohydrate intake did not meet best-practice sports nutrition recommendations for rugby players. Developing rugby players should take care to consume a high-quality diet that meets energy and macronutrient requirements to tolerate the demanding nature of the sport, promote adaptation and optimal health and decrease injury risk.
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