Trevor Allen and Gareth Powell are the USN experts assigned to the Golden Lions.  Every week they head to Ellis Park where they spend time with each player from the Super 15 squad, the Under-21 squad and the Under-19 squad.

Each Monday they attend a medical meeting with the Golden Lions’ team doctor. Also attending this meeting are the physiotherapist, the massage therapists, the conditioning coaches and the biokineticist. Discussion in the meeting is focussed on each player in the Elite squad, which includes Super 15 and Vodacom Cup players.

"From USN’s perspective, we look at each player’s body composition and nutritional needs and determine whether they need to increase or lose body weight. I then meet with the players individually to have a look at their diet and supplementation and make the appropriate recommendations,” explains Allen.

On the Tuesdays Allen meets with any players that might have been absent the previous day and then spends time with the team doctor finalising the appropriate supplementation products for each player for that week.

"Because we all communicate regularly, we are able to pick up any player weaknesses and address them immediately, be it a possible injury or illness or even and emotional challenge,” says Allen.

"It’s a proper brains trust with some exceptionally talented and experienced professionals and it’s a pleasure being able to offer similarly professional nutrition and supplement advice based on our (USN’s) consistent monitoring of each player. With this system in place the medical team is able to take any action required immediately which minimises the risk of injury and illness and helps ensure every player is properly nourished according to his specific needs and at full strength come match day.”