WRU nutritionist Chris Edwards goes through the lunch menu.(Image: WRU.)

Exactly what Wales rugby players eat in the build-up to a Test match

by · Wales Online

The Welsh Rugby Union have shown what their players eat in the week in the build-up to a Test match.

Wales face Fiji on Sunday, November 10, and ahead of that clash, the WRU posted an informative video to social media to showcase their dietary preparations to cater for a heavy training load.

Nutritionist Chris Edwards, who has a master of science degree in sports nutrition, explained what the players eat, and why they eat it.

"Day two in a Test week is typically our biggest day," explained Edwards. "Players will go through three sessions, they'll go through a weights session, a unit session and a team session this afternoon.

"We tailor the menus to try and cope with the big carbohydrate demand, so they can replenish their muscle glycogen. Also, we will do a dessert where we'll have really high carbohydrates again, to meet with any demands."

The lunch menu flashed on screen briefly at this point, and reads as follows:

  • Roasted parsnip soup
  • Chicken cacciatore
  • Salmon fillets with pesto glaze
  • Basmati rice
  • Pesto pasta
  • Balsamic cauliflower
  • Green beans
  • Flapjacks with toppings

"We're very fortunate enough to have our team chef Andre Moore," continued Edwards. Wales rugby team chef Moore has previously worked at Michelin star restaurant Le Gavroche with Michel and Albert Roux, who've had a huge impact on the British hospitality industry.

"Typically we will go through around about five kilos of rice and five kilos of pasta within this lunch," continued Edwards. "It's vitally important that from this morning session they come down and refuel, making sure they are ready to go for the second session of the day."

You can check out the clip below.

It's been a full-on start to life in camp for Wales players, who've been put through brutal Bronco testing, and braved the cold at -119 degrees Celsius in the cryotherapy chambers.

Wales announce their team tomorrow (November 8) and are hoping to secure their first Test match victory of 2024 when they face the Fijians at the Principality Stadium this weekend.