Posted on 6th Oct 2009 @ 3:10 PM

Nathan Hines, international Rugby Union star talks about his Nutrition and the season to come

Nathan Hines began using Udos Choice Ultimate Oil Blend about a year ago.  On advising an increase in his intake of Essential Fatty Acids Nathan's nutritionist recommended Udos Choice Ultimate Oil Blend.  The essential Fatty Acids are of huge importance to the athlete.  As they put their muscles under intense pressure it is important that the cells that make up the muscle work to their optimum.  Essential Fatty Acids ensure that the membrane of each cell is healthy and therefore can operate at their best preventing injury, enhancing recovery, providing energy and increasing stamina.

We catch up with Nathan a few weeks into the new Rugby Union season at his new club Leinster after moving from France where he played for Perpignon.  We talk to him about the currrent season, his aspirations and of course, his nutrition.

Q.    What was it like to go on tour with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa?

It was the pinnacle of my rugby career. I made a lot of good mates on the tour and it is something that I will never forget.

Q.    What is your assessment of the competition this year and how confident are you of success for Leinster?

The Magners League has been going from strength to strength and all the teams in the competitions have the ability to win the league. The Leinster squad is an ambitious one and we will be looking to be very competitive in both The Magners and Heineken competitions.

Q.    How have you settled in Dublin?

My family and I have settled in well. The club, players and supporters have made us extremely welcome

Q.    How is pre-season training going?

I haven’t had a descent pre-season for about 4 years so I have been enjoying it. That is not to say that it hasn’t been hard though. Pre-season is always demanding.

Q.    What part does nutrition play in both pre-season and ongoing training

Nutrition plays a key role in both phases of training.

Q.    What are the key features of your dietary regime?

Calories is a big one. I can easily expend 5000 calories per day so eating enough is really important for me. Also enough protein to build and repair muscle.

Q.    Are you naturally disciplined when it comes to nutrition or does the club nutritionist have to check up on you ?

I am pretty disciplined. I have always kept an eye on what I put in my mouth.  I still check in with the club/national nutritionist to make sure I am still on the right track. Not eating enough would be a problem for me (which is a nice problem to have).


Q.    How do you think nutrition is regarded in the world of Rugby?

The benefits of good nutrition can’t be ignored. Now we are seeing more nutritionists being consulted by clubs/teams to help player performance whereas in the past they may not have been utilised.

Q.    Has this changed since you first started playing?

Yes. There is more of an awareness now than before.


Q.    You take Udos Oil as part of your nutrition – When and how did you first hear about Udos Oil and Essential Fatty Acids?

I first heard about Udo’s when it was recommended to me by a nutritionist last year.

Q.    How does Udos Oil help you in achieving your physical goals? 

Rugby places great stresses on the body. Udo’s helps me with recovery and helps me be better prepared for training and the following game.


Q.    What are your overall views regarding Udos Oil and its benefits?

I think it is a convenient way to obtain the EFAs that we may not get in our daily diets.

Q.    What is your favourite part of training?

It sounds funny but the end of training. I like knowing that I have done the hard work.


Q.    What do you least like about training

Not much really. I would say having to train when I am tired and sore after a game.


Q.    If there where 3 things you would suggest to budding young rugby players to improve their individual games what would they be?

-    Get the best nutrition advice available to you
-    Preparation is key. Whether training or analysing the opposition
-    Be honest about your performance

Q.    You’ve had a very successful career, consistently being a part of winning teams, playing international rugby and now played with the British & Irish Lions.  What is the next ambition within the sport you have?

There are few things. I would love to win a 6 Nations with Scotland and also to win the Heineken cup and the Magners League with Leinster.