Bill Johnston, CJ Stander and John Ryan share insights into nutrition for recovery at an event for club representatives to kick-off of a new partnership between Munster Rugby and Optimum Nutrition

Optimum Nutrition has become the “Official Nutrition Partner” to Munster Rugby in a partnership that aims to share good nutrition messages with elite and amateur players, their families and the wider Munster Rugby community.

Optimum Nutrition has become the “Official Nutrition Partner” to Munster Rugby in a partnership that aims to share good nutrition messages with elite and amateur players, their families and the wider Munster Rugby community.

Optimum Nutrition, a Glanbia Performance Nutrition brand, are the makers of the world’s number 1 selling whey protein powder Gold Standard 100% Whey and will provide the Province with their award winning performance nutrition products to fuel their training and maximise their recovery.

In addition Optimum Nutrition will be working closely with the Club’s Performance Nutritionist Emma Tester and Community Officers to develop a Nutrition for Performance Education programme for players and coaches across the region. The programme will include a series of Events, club workshops, development of Nutrition for Performance Guide and a regular flow of Good Nutrition Tips from players and the Munster community through social media and on match day.

The programme kicked off with “Sports Nutrition Live” at the Munster Rugby Performance Centre on Wednesday, 10 October, where representatives of domestic clubs and sports nutritionists from the region heard insights on nutrition for recovery from Dr Crionna Tobin, Head of Science & Education with Optimum Nutrition; Emma Tester, Head of Performance Nutrition at Munster Rugby and players CJ Stander, John Ryan and Bill Johnston.

Dr. Crionna Tobin, PhD Head of Science & Education at Glanbia Performance Nutrition said: “Good nutrition has a real impact on performance and recovery whether you’re playing at an elite level or just for exercise and enjoyment. Optimum Nutrition is delighted to partner with Munster Rugby on an innovative education programme that aims to share simple nutrition messages for those playing sport and exercise. We will focus on a food first approach and explain where protein supplementation can complement good nutrition to support performance and recovery.”

Head of Commercial and Marketing Doug Howlett said: “Nutrition plays a huge role in our everyday lives, and is not only limited to the life of a professional athlete. We are very much aligned to Optimum Nutrition’s plans for performance education and are delighted to partner with such an innovative brand.”

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey protein is available in supermarkets and Health and Sports Nutrition stores nationwide.