Paul Wellens Professional Rugby Player Interview

Introduction

The following is an interview with professional Rugby League player Paul Wellens, who is a full back and plays for St Helens.  Signed professionally for St Helens in February 1998, Paul has played just over 400 games for the club winning 4 Grand Finals, 5 Challenge Cups and 2 World Club Championships. Paul has Won 2 Lance Todd trophy's for Man of the Matches in 2007 and 2008 Challenge Cup finals and Harry Sunderland award for Man of the Matches in 2006 Grand Final. Paul was voted Man of Steel in for the 2006 Super League season and has won 20 Great Britain caps and 15 England Caps.

1.What has been the best piece of advice you have received?

Be Careful who you take Advice from!!

2.   Who, or what, has been the biggest inspiration for you?

What inspires me is to not let people down, especially those closest to me, Family, Friends and of course my teammates.

3.   How important is nutrition to your success and performance?

Very important, eating the right foods at the right time and keeping well hydrated significantly helps your performance.

4.    Please could you outline your nutrition during a normal training day and then on a match/competition day

7am Breakfast- Bran Flakes and Fruit juice

9am Snack- Fruit ( Banana )

10 Train.

11.30 Protein Shake

12.30 Lunch- Chicken and Wholegrain Rice and Veg

1.30 Train

3pm Snack- Fruit/cereal bar

5pm Dinner- Fish (salmon) boiled potato and veg

7.30pm Snack - Crackers with Cottage Cheese maybe a slow release protein shake.

Also sipping water at regular intervals throughout day.

5.   Please could you outline what a normal day of training involves?

10am Field Session - (either skills, conditioning, team run or combination of all) 

1.30 Weights - upper body, lower body, power session or circuit. Core stability session completed after weights. Ice Baths, stretching for recovery.

6. What advice would you give to anybody wanting to get fit and improve their health?

Plan a routine and be disciplined to stick to it, whether it's with your diet or training schedule.

7.  From your experience, for instance pre-season training, have you got any tips on how to stay motivated when the training gets tough and challenging?

Being in a team environment we tend to keep each other motivated especially when things get tough but setting short term goals is a great way to stay motivate.

8.   What has been the highlight of your career?

Personally winning the Man of Steel in 2006 was great but we are a team sport and I have had the privilege of playing in fantastic teams and alongside some world class players. Winning Grand Finals and Challenge Cups and playing for Great Britain is very special.

I would like to say a big thank you to Paul for taking the time and effort to answer these questions and provide an insight into his professional lifestyle, it is much appreciated. In addition, I would also like to place on record my thanks to John Stankevitch for making this interview possible. I am sure it will provide a useful insight into the life of a professional athlete and help you to pick up some advice and tips that you can use to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. You can follow Paul on Twitter @pwello80.

“Together, we’ll achieve your goals”

Matt Swierzynski

E: matt@mattswaz.co.uk

M: 07936654876

W: www.mattswaz.co.uk