Fans of the oval ball game will get another chance to let their love of the sport translate into getting healthier and losing some weight.
University of Otago research, in conjunction with another couple of parties, helps link rugby fans with a personal trainer and other experts in nutrition.
The Rugby fans in training (RuFIT) programme first kicked off in 2017 and is around for another year.
RuFIT is a custom designed lifestyle programme to help overweight male rugby fans improve their eating and drinking habits and increase their physical activity levels.
Participants attended one two-hour session per week for 12 weeks about nutrition and exercise behaviour, aimed at them becoming healthier.
The study is not just limited to Highlanders fans. Supporters of the Crusaders and the Blues are also able to sign up.
Last year’s participants are due to have their final session at which fitness and weight will be recorded at the end of this month. Then the new wave of participants will start in March.
Although the project has not yet finished — and data has not yet all been collated, some of the participants have been full of praise for the programme.
Dunedin man Todd Whitcombe said it was an extremely challenging programme but well worthwhile.
"It was very helpful in terms of working with some real experts in the field, as well as a group of men with similar motivations in terms of their own personal health and wellbeing," Whitcombe said.
"Over the course of the programme, I lost a total of about 15kg, which has been a life-changer for me in terms of my own overall fitness and wellbeing. Would totally recommend the programme without a doubt."
Chris Smith was also full of praise for the programme.
"I found the programme excellent. Lots of information on how to live healthier and some neat connections with those in our group. Bucky [trainer Buxton Popoali’i] was outstanding, not only as a trainer but as a person in general. The sessions on nutrition were informative and in some cases eye-opening."
He said the programme was especially useful in forming habits and providing ideas on ways to remain healthy.
Graeme Egan could not speak highly enough about the programme.
"The RuFIT programme has been a life-changer for me. After a lifetime spent in sport and physical activity, I picked up a series of injuries. This saw my physical activity decline, while at the same time not necessarily having the best lifestyle," Egan said.
"After being accepted into the programme I refound my love of physical activity, thanks to the support and guidance of those involved in the programme. This has seen not only a more physically fit me but has also seen me in much better mental state.
"The RuFIT programme has seen me open my eyes to what is possible when you look after yourself and strive for lifetime goals, which for me was the finishing of both the Motatapu and Kepler challenge.
"I can't but recommend the programme to anyone else. Even if it's only a step in the right direction to a healthy you, then you and your loved ones are the winners."
The study was developed by senior lecturer of exercise and sport psychology Elaine Hargreaves.
She has a research interest in the psychology of physical activity and understanding motivation for behaviour change.
Those keen to get involved should contact RuFIT@otago.ac.nz
