New Zealand Rugby has announced a four-year contract with Healthspan Elite which will see the local business become the All Blacks' first official sports nutrition, protein, vitamin and supplements partner.
Healthspan Elite has been supplementing the All Blacks' health and performance for five years and the two long-time collaborators' relationship has now been formalised.
Healthspan Elite is the sports nutrition range from Healthspan, which has been specifically developed to provide trusted, batch-tested (Informed-Sport) supplements designed to aid and support performance.
“I was immediately enthusiastic when presented with the opportunity to enter into an official relationship with the All Blacks," said Healthspan CEO Martin Talbot.
"Our values and beliefs are complementary, and we share a passion to support the health of all New Zealand rugby players and their global network of fans. Healthspan is on the brink of entering into new territories and in the process of enhancing our Elite sports nutrition proposition, so this partnership comes at the perfect time for both parties.”
Pictured: Healthspan CEO Martin Talbot said the locally founded company is in the process of enhancing its Elite sports nutrition offering.
All Blacks Nutritionist Kat Darry said the partnership would ensure the All Blacks, widely regarded as the best national side in rugby union history, have "trusted and proven products" to help keep them at the top of their game.
“The importance of maintaining a healthy diet and strong immune system has never been more topical and for high performance athletes like the All Blacks, it’s as important as their physical training regimes.
“The high daily physical demands experienced by elite level rugby players such as the All Blacks often makes it difficult for players to eat enough or meet their individual needs for specific nutrients. To have the support of specific supplements from Healthspan Elite, which can be utilised when a player’s needs are greater than what they can meet from our food first approach, is important.
NZR Chief Commercial Officer Richard Thomas added: "New Zealand Rugby’s relationship with Healthspan is a natural fit. Both organisations pride ourselves on being innovative and striving to be at the top of our game. We’re excited about the opportunity to collaborate more closely over the next four years.”
Healthspan Sales & Marketing Director Chris Fisher said they will develop a range of products tailored to the All Blacks' needs a part of the partnership.
“For several years, we’ve been supporting the All Blacks with our Elite supplements to aid their health and performance. Healthspan is honoured to have been chosen as the All Blacks first ever supplement partner and it’s been a privilege working with their team to secure this partnership."
Pictured top: The New Zealand Rugby Team performing their traditional pre-match 'Haka' at last year's Rugby World Cup.
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