In a recent Sunday Telegraph feature by Daniel Schofield, rugby’s long-standing “booze culture” is examined through the lens of a modern professional game—one increasingly defined by sport science, recovery, and long-term player welfare.
The article highlights how today’s players are making different choices, driven not by restriction but by a clearer understanding of what supports performance, recovery, and durability across a demanding season.
Kitman Labs Founder & CEO Stephen Smith adds commentary on the impact alcohol can have on recovery and readiness, explaining how drinking can slow muscle repair and adaptation—ultimately affecting an athlete’s ability to train, recover, and perform consistently.
The piece reflects a broader shift across elite sport: moving away from outdated norms and toward evidence-based decision-making that protects athletes and supports sustainable performance.
Read the full article in The Telegraph (subscription required) or click to view the full-page feature below:
