Back-to-back Super League champions St Helens have agreed an exclusive deal with a sports nutrition company supported by a former Masters champion, a British and Irish Lions player and clubs such as Crystal Palace and Bath Rugby.
Nutrition X offers a range of products and supplements "scientifically-formulated by a team of world-renowned sports nutritionists", designed to support athletic performance from every angle.
As part of the agreement, the Gloucester-based company is providing the support of Professor Graeme Close in a consultancy role to Saints.
Professor Close is the lead nutritionist and scientific advisor for Nutrition X and is also a former professional Rugby League player. He is currently a professor of human physiology at Liverpool John Moores University.
Professor Close said: "I am delighted to provide sport nutrition consultancy to St Helens RFC through the Nutrition X partnership.
"The staff at Saints are some of the most forward thinking, respected and informed staff in world sport so it’s amazing to become a part of this cutting-edge team.
"Together we can make sure the players are maximising their nutrition to help their game day performance, health and recovery through innovative bespoke nutrition strategies."
Saints will be the only Super League club to work with Nutrition X.
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Jack Deaman, Nutrition X general manager, added: "We are thrilled to be working with St Helens for the upcoming season.
"Nutrition X have supported Rugby League clubs for a number of years but we are especially excited to strike up an official partnership with our first Super League club.
"St Helens’ ethos matches that of our own and with the support of our lead nutritionist, Professor Graeme Close, on nutrition and education we hope to help Saints add more silverware to their already highly decorated trophy cabinet. We are looking forward to working closely with Matt and the players this season."
Saints’ head of strength and conditioning, Matt Daniels, said: "We are really pleased that we have been able to strike up a new and exciting partnership with Nutrition X and the product range they are offering us will give us a tailor made package of sports specific supplementation.
"The added value of expert nutritional support and guidance for players of all age groups at the club means we are well placed to continue the education at all levels and hopefully give us those marginal gains we are searching for to keep us at the top of our sport."