London 14°C 17 km/h wind Updated 9:30 am
MNN Global · January 21, 2026 · 1 min read

Northampton’s JJ van der Mescht thrives on one meal a day

What happened: Northampton rugby lock JJ van der Mescht, weighing 23 stone, maintains his strength and power by eating just one meal daily.

Why it matters:

  • Highlights an unconventional diet supporting professional athletic performance.
  • May influence training and nutrition approaches for rugby players and other athletes.

MNN Take: Van der Mescht's routine shows that different dietary strategies can support high-level sports performance, though individual needs vary widely.

Sources: BBC Sport