ABSTRACT
The nutritional requirements of a youth rugby player are influenced by biological growth and maturation and the demands of training and competition, alongside a requirement to significantly increase fat-free and overall body mass towards those of senior players. Therefore, it is inappropriate to simply apply the nutrition guidelines and dietary practices of senior rugby players within youth populations. Current evidence outlines the large resting and total energy requirements of youth male rugby players, necessitating equally large energy intakes, especially in the days following competitive match-play and training-based collisions. A consistently positive energy and protein balance is required to ensure targeted physical developments are achieved. Sufficient intakes of dietary carbohydrate, fat and fluid are essential to meet the demands of training and match-play, alongside overall health and wellbeing. A varied and balanced diet that meets these requirements should provide sufficient intakes of essential micronutrients. Supplement intakes should be overseen by a nutrition professional and only prioritised in periods of clinical necessity (i.e., iron, vitamin D). Care is required around the assessment of anthropometric and body composition variables, emphasising appropriate fuelling for fat-free mass development. This chapter reviews the nutritional requirements of young rugby players, while also discussing the safe assessment of anthropometrics and body composition.
