This professional rugby player’s training diet would surely shame us all

Being a professional rugby player, in an age where technology and tracking leave little room for errors, is far from easy.

Video sessions, gym work, pitch drills, one-on-ones and mental visualisation techniques - add in media and sponsor obligations and the week fills up pretty fast. It is important, then, to fuel up with a proper diet plan. Australian international James O'Connor is currently in training and hoping to attract the interest of a Super Rugby franchise ahead of the 2016 season. The versatile back featured with Toulon last season so could yet return. With a training diet like this [full schedule at the bottom], he should be in prime condition for the club that wants to take a chance. We have selected two days from the week to give an insight into an impressive diet.

THURSDAY

Breakfast

• Green vegetable smoothie
• Oats
• Coffee

Lunch

• Quinoa salad with chicken
• Sushi

Dinner

• Salmon sashimi
• Beef teriyaki

Snacks

• Muesli yoghurt
• Whey protein shake
• Almonds & walnuts

Supper

• Salt & vinegar crisps
• Dark chocolate

SATURDAY (Match-day)

Breakfast

• Bacon, avocado & feta
• 3 poached eggs
• Rye bread

Lunch

• Pancakes with banana & berries

Dinner

• Post-match takeaway

Snacks

• Fruit, oats & yoghurt

Supper

• Green vegetable smoothie

O'CONNOR'S FULL DIET