Just two weeks to go until the IRFU stops accepting applications for the important post of ‘performance nutritionist’ for its elite players. Or, put another way, the union is still hoping that an appropriate applicant turns up in the next fortnight.

The need for such a specialist was identified at least two years ago, yet the search only began in September 2004. It has been given added urgency by the fall-out from the Lions tour, on which Irish players received — and supposedly benefited from — nutritional supplements.

In line with the policy of the Irish Sports Council, the IRFU has been opposed to the use of supplements, not least because contaminated products may lead to positive drugs tests. At the same time, director of fitness Liam Hennessy knows Irish players are using supplements to allow them train as hard as players in other countries.

As one Irish international explained: ‘You need to take in over 5,000 calories a day and there’s no way you can do that through normal eating. The most convenient alternative is to drink a shake after training.

‘We know the union is against it but the vast majority of players are doing it. They’re afraid their opponents are getting an edge. You’d think it would make more sense for the union to settle on one product, check it’s okay and then monitor our intake.’

Hennessy admits the supplements debate is a major concern. ‘Naturally, players have a fear that their competitors are taking something that they’re not,’ he says. ‘It’s a rampant problem. But supplements should be secondary. You start with education, empowering players to know the difference between what is and what isn’t allowed, what is useful and what is misinformation. We need to upgrade our nutrition programme and we’re working to get the right people in place.’ Applications close on 14 October.

Pitout still sharp despite horror injury

Munster fans will be interested/concerned to hear that Anton Pitout, a late inclusion in the Heineken Cup squad along with rugby league convert Gary Connolly, almost lost his leg last January after an injury he suffered playing for the South African sevens team in Dubai. Pitout, an outside-centre who has played for Natal and Free State in the Currie Cup and for the Bulls and the Cats in Super 12, picked up an infection after breaking his left leg and twisting his ankle.

‘I was operated on in Dubai and a pin was put into my leg, but it became infected and since then I have undergone four operations,’ said Pitout at the time. ‘I really hope that the antibiotics will kill the germ that has infected my leg.’

With their history of dodgy signings (remember Clinton Huppert?) Munster fans are also hoping the antibiotics worked. Hence,

the mischievous query on one Munster message board on Friday: ‘Was his leg amputated?’ We are pleased to announce that Pitout was running at full pace for the Cheetahs two weeks ago — on two legs.

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