Posted on: 14 April 2005
A new TCD advanced research programme focussing on the development of specially formulated sports drinks and the manner in which well-trained players respond to their intake has been established in association with Irish Rugby Football Union and Energia. Commissioned by the IRFU and financed by Energia the purpose of the research is to gain a greater understanding of how various aspects of nutrition can affect the rate of recovery among rugby players at club, provincial and national level. Mr. Bernard Donne, Director of Human Performance Laboratory and fellow scientists at Trinity College Dublin’s Department of Physiology and Anatomy are working with Dr. Liam Hennessy (IRFU National Fitness Director) to advance the research into Irish rugby development programmes. “Trinity College is renowned for its work in this and the field of sports science, so it is a welcome development that we have joined with them in this venture.” stated Dr Liam Hennessy, National Fitness Director of the IRFU. “It is vital that the IRFU have the support of them in researching ways and means of improving our player’s performances on the field. Trinity is known as one of the leading universities in performance research.” Professor Con Feighery, Vice Dean, School of Physic, Trinity College said: “Having a scientifically based knowledge of the recovery effects to be obtained by nutrition, following strenuous sports activity, and its contribution to subsequently improved performance will form a key element of athletic endeavour in the years ahead. This research will bring the early benefits of such scientific knowledge to Ireland’s future rugby development initiatives and we are delighted to collaborate with IRFU and Energia in this regard.”
