ArticleJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition2025
Macronutrient requirements and intake by professional male rugby players.
Article in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundRugby union is a high-contact team sport where professional rugby players are exposed to considerable training and game loads in pre-season and in-season. Some studies have shown that rugby players' dietary intake remains inadequate for the three macronutrients (carbohydrates [CHO], proteins and fats) required for optimal performance. This study aimed to describe the macronutrient intake of professional male rugby players at Zebre Rugby Club in Parma, Italy, during in-season, and to compare players' macronutrient intake to international recommendations.
methodsThirty-four professional male rugby players participated in the cross-sectional study. A self-developed questionnaire, a food frequency questionnaire and food records (on training and competition days and off day) were used to investigate players' macronutrient intake. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) standardized techniques. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations were investigated using chi-square, Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank tests as applicable.
resultsThe players' median age was 25.8 years (range 20.6-33.0 years) and 47.5% were Italian. Most players (64.7%) held forward positions and had a median of 5 years (range 2-14 years) of professional experience. More than 75.0% of players lived with a spouse or partner and 30.3% earned between 4 000-4 999 euros per month. The median body weight and height of players were 106.9 kg and 186.3 cm, respectively. The forwards weighed heavier (
conclusionThe study's findings can assist various stakeholders at Zebre Rugby Club to align rugby players' dietary requirements to their workload, and encourage players' adherence to dietary guidelines and recommendations. It is advised that attention be focused on accurate dietary education, intake and monitoring to promote individualization and optimal performance and recovery. Future research is needed to adapt standardized macronutrient recommendations for rugby-specific requirements and address obstacles that may impede the optimal intake of macronutrients.
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