Scrum of the Earth /

Is it essential for today's professional to understand the science of food?

Definitely. You actually take things in,  like with supplements that you take as well, you try and understand what each thing is for, you get to listen to your body and get used to what you need and don't need.

And do you have your 'five-a-day?'

I try to, you have a multi-vitamin every day before training as you can become deficient in a lot of things.

How many meals does the club provide for you?

We go in for breakfast at Oval Park where steak, omlettes, beans, carrots, broccoli is all provided.

And what about lunch?

Pretty much the same thing, maybe something different, like meatballs, turkey, ham, beef, more fish, cottage cheese and plenty of lentils.

Are you much of a chef?

To be fair we only have to worry about the evening meal, so it's quite easy. I tend to eat organic food and locally produced food. I have got into a routine on the way home from training when I’ll pop into the shop, and buy everything as fresh as you can.

What's your signature dish?

Beans on toast!... It's the easiest.

What is the worst food experience you have had with a woman?

Well I have not really had enough dates, but my girlfriend does all the cooking. She works from home so she has a lot of time on her hands. I'm not the best chef but it’s just easy if you just get the hang of it - on the George Foreman that is.

Is it hard maintaining good eating habits?

"You get used to it from day one. You know you shouldn't be eating bad stuff, so it’s just tweaking a few things.

"That’s why you are in constant consultation with the nutritionist and getting skin fold tests, which tells a story of what your deficient in, what you need to cut out of your diet and what you need to eat more of, so it's quite interesting.

How often are these consultations?

Once a week in pre-season and every three weeks in-season. When we are away with England we have the same guy and he is always on the end of a phone or email, so if you do need anything we just give him a ring. It can be quite rigorous.

Are you a big believer in all these fish oils?

"In moderation. Everyone is different but we're lucky we have a nutritionist to recommend the correct intakes."

What kind of supplements do you take?

"EAS supplements, multi-vitamins and omega 369 fish oils. They reduce inflammation in the joints and also help losing body fat. I’ll take a pre-biotic to help improve my digestive system. and i’ll have recovery shake straight after training, which has all your BCA's in.

And have you tried Yoga?

"I have. I do it in a heated room, which is really good for recovery and stretching. It's annoying because I know it is good for me and but after a heavy day’s training it's really tough.

"If I have a few days off, I might nip in and do an extra session. It's quite intense and I’ll go to the gym at night to do some extra core and flexibility stuff as well as a swim in the poo"l for recovery. It all counts."

Do you have to write down what you eat daily?

"We did have a nutritionist a few years ago who took a food diary, which was a pain in the ass.

"I know what i'm eating, so we talk though what i've been eating generally, and he says cut out this, try eating this and usually try eating more lentils."

What stuff do you need to eat more of?

"Blood tests reveal whether you're lacking some kind of vitamins and other things that I'm not so good at.

"Things that often crop up are varying your protein, as perhaps I have been eating too much red meat and need to eat more fish. Everyone is different but it's good to have that knowledge."

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Do you have any luxuries?

“I’ve got a big vice for crisps. I’m more of a salt and vinegar squares fan. I love old-school crisps. I used to have a bag or so a week, maybe two if I’ve trained hard.”

What’s your favourite thing in the world at the moment?

“I’ve got big thing for sushi. It’s a proper addiction! None of my other friends really like it. Neither does my girlfriend. She usually sits and watches me eat and then we have to get something else.”

And how’s she taken to missing Valentines Day?

“As long as she gets a card and flowers she’ll be happy.”

Did you get any stick on your birthday (February 6)?

“I got a couple of Victoria sponges instead of a birthday cake. My girlfriend brought a few cards down but my presents are still back at home.”