Eorl Crabtree Professional Rugby Player Interview

Introduction

The following is an interview with professional Rugby League player Eorl Crabtree, who is a forward and plays for the Huddersfield Giants and England.  Eorl stands at 6ft 6in and weighs over 18 stone.

1. What has been the best piece of advice you have received?

The best piece of advice I have been given is to remember what got me to where I am. Sometimes when going through life we forget what got us into the position we are in, this can be both negative and positive. You can educate yourself on what works well for you.

2. How important is nutrition to your success and performance?

Nutrition is a massive part of my life and has a direct influence on my performances. I have learnt that eating the right food and drinking the right liquids allows me to train longer and harder. This helps my performances and decision making during games which then has a direct impact on the success of the team and myself.  Not only does this help my performances but it has a massive impact on your own well being, taking in the right nutrients prevents colds, illnesses and improves energy levels and general health.   

3. Please could you outline what you eat during a normal training day and then on a match day?

Training day

For a typical breakfast I have porridge with 1 scoop of protein powder along with a glass of berocca giving extra vitamins and minerals.

Typical lunch is usually a salad with some sort of meat tuna/ham/turkey, or a jacket with filling.

Snack on fruit/cooked pieces of chicken.

Evening meal is normally something like marinated chicken/ rice and veggies which give all the essential parts of the diet. For desert a full fat yoghurt.

Match day

For breakfast I would have porridge with protein, banana and glass of berocca, leading up to the game and I have fruit and possibly a little cereal or a muffin. After the game I have a protein drink and depending on how I feel a main meal like on a normal training day.

During all days I drink plenty of water.

4. Please could you outline a normal day of training and what you do?

During a normal day I do a gym session lasting around 2 and a half hours, consisting of rehab work on injuries and prevention of injuries, stretching, foam rolling, and either upper body or lower body weights.

I go straight to physio after that and have treatment for injuries and prevention of injuries this includes massages.

From here I go to do field work for 2 hrs, this can be anything from skills, fitness, contact, speed and agility, this also includes a lengthy warm up and stretching.

I then have ice baths and any extra treatment that is needed to aid recovery.

5. What advice would you give to anybody wanting to get fit and improve their health?

My advice is to get advice, people try get fit and healthy but don’t understand how to do so, they think they should do things they have seen people do but each individual is different and when it doesn’t work straight away people quit. With the right advice and personal dedication anybody can be fit and healthy; it’s about doing the right things.

6. Do you set yourself goals/objectives to aim for and if so how e.g. write them down, think about them etc?

I always set myself realistic short term goals and objectives because for me knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel helps me to keep motivated and pushes me on to keep doing better, Whenever I train I use this technique to get the best out of myself, I break sessions down and think about getting through each bit at a time.

For a game it’s a little different, I write down about 4-6 goals for the whole game this can be anything from, good line speed, hit the ball at speed to simply enjoying the game. These things may not mean anything to most people but I know exactly what they mean to me and these act as triggers helping me to mentally keep focused and perform better.  

7. From your experience, for instance pre-season training, have you got any tips on how to stay motivated when the training gets tough and challenging?

Each individual can be motivated in a totally different way, because of this you have to work out what it is that motivates you. Some people are motivated by money/success/looking good or trying to be the best. None of this is wrong. If it’s anything you can use to get through a tough session and stay motivated, then its right for you.  

8. What has been the highlight of your career?

 I have been very lucky to play in a lot of big games for Huddersfield and England including the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley and Four Nations Final for England v Australia but there is always one game that sticks out in my mind. It was the 2006 Challenge Cup Semi Final against Leeds at Odsal, Bradford.  We were massive underdogs with nobody expecting us to win, we ran out 30-12 winners. This has always been a motivator to me which proves that even when doubted you can surprise people and even yourself. 

I would like to say a big thank you to Eorl for taking the time and effort to answer these questions and provide an insight into his professional lifestyle, it is much appreciated. I am sure it will provide a useful insight into the life of a professional athlete and help you to pick up some advice and tips that you can use to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

“Together, we’ll achieve your goals”

Matt Swierzynski

E: matt@mattswaz.co.uk

M: 07936654876

W: www.mattswaz.co.uk