Advanced Conditioning for Female Rugby Players

Summary

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a complex condition that can significantly impact the health, performance, and long-term well-being of female rugby players. The high physical demands of rugby, combined with cultural pressures around body composition and performance, place athletes at increased risk of low energy availability. Early recognition and prevention are essential, requiring a supportive environment that prioritises fuelling for performance, recovery, and open communication. Coaches and support staff play a pivotal role in fostering this culture and ensuring timely referral to medical and nutrition professionals when REDs is suspected. Addressing REDs proactively is key to sustaining athlete health and optimising performance across all levels of the game.

For further reading, some useful resources for REDs in the coaching space are noted below:

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