Academy Complete Cookery Module

The past week saw members of the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy complete a four class Cookery module at the Hook & Ladder Cookery School in Limerick.

Organised in association with IRUPA (Irish Rugby Union Players Association), the module took place across the opening two weeks of the Academy pre-season with Chef Keith Piggott demonstrating practical cookery skills and a wide range of tempting, yet healthy and suitable, meal and snack options to the young recruits.

Commenting on the event Munster Rugby Performance Nutritionist Dr. Catherine Norton said, “Lifestyle skills are extremely important for these young players. Many may be living away from home for the first time and find themselves now having to plan, shop and cook for a busy week with large training demands. The lads were taught how to do basic things like chop an onion, poach an egg or make an omelette. They also learnt how to make snacks and mains from scratch using lean, quality ingredients.

“Coaches and support staff set targets for our athletes on weight and body composition. I think it is only fair that where we set targets for the boys, that we also equip them with the tools and skills necessary to achieve these targets. Financial limitations, inadequate cooking skills and lack of time are often reasons given as barriers influencing dietary practices of elite athletes. These classes, along with supermarket tours, recipe cards, discounts in local butchers will all help. I’m looking forward to seeing healthy meals and snacks brought to training from here on in – they certainly have no excuses now!”

Looks good! Sean McCarthy ready to put his pizzas in the oven.