Strengthening bones with Jersey milk and aiding the immune system with sea swimming were part of the island experience for the South African national rugby squad, during their trip to Jersey last week. Amidst a packed itinerary, the team were invited to consider their mental and physical wellbeing by sampling Jersey produce and swimming in the island’s beautiful bays.
The 20-strong team followed in the footsteps of England rugby player and advocate for Jersey milk Joe Marler in enjoying the superfood’s natural benefits.[1] While staying at L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa, each member was given a bottle a day, alongside a fact sheet about the white wonder drink, highlighting the benefits of its high-calcium composition, containing 20% more than ‘average’ milk.[2]
Speaking about their recovery process, the team highlighted ice baths, aqua therapy, and massages as key. They also noted how important a robust nutrition plan is, validating how Jersey milk can play its part. The daily dairy surprise also gave them a taste of home as Jersey cows are prevalent throughout South Africa.
All members of the team were also provided with a bespoke dry robe and urged to try out sea swimming in some of Jersey’s stunning bays. They were reminded of its positive impact on performance, particularly in maintaining cardiovascular fitness and promoting muscle and bone density.[3] The team noted that three hours per day are spent training, with each member consuming up to 6,000 calories per day. Their venture into local waters therefore provided a scenic moment of relaxation amidst their rigorous training routine.
Thomas Burford, General Manager of L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa said: “We all know how lucky we are to have such incredible sea swimming and high-calcium, locally produced milk on our doorstep. Promoting the produce that makes Jersey special, from grass to sea, is important to us and we wanted to give the team the local wellness experience. Mental and physical wellbeing are both vital for peak performance, and I’m glad our hotel could play a small part within the team’s island experience.”
Players Cheslin Kolbe and Jesse Kriel said: “Waking up with the ocean in the background has been just amazing. Jersey’s been unbelievable and the facilities have been equally unbelievable.”
The team’s Athletic Performance Andy Edwards said: “The team regularly drink milk as part of their nutritional plan due to its high-protein content. It’s a really vital part of their nutrition plan and great for their hydration plan too.”
[1] https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/joe-marler-broken-leg-six-nations-recovery-milk-a7559656.html
[2] https://jerseycattlesociety.uk/why-jersey/#:~:text=Jersey%20milk%20is%20unique%20in,to%20many%20other%20dairy%20breeds.
[3] https://www.brighton.ac.uk/news/2023/is-open-water-swimming-good-for-you
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