This 252-Pound Rugby Star Just Went Vegan

When we think about what it takes for an athlete to build and maintain muscle to stay at the top of their game, usually a diet high in protein comes to mind — and usually, we think of protein that comes from an animal. But as more people than ever before are choosing to cut back on meat and dairy, we are also seeing more and more athletes also make the switch. According to the Daily Star, rugby star Anthony Mullally, the forward for the Leeds Rhinos, has ditched animal products and will now follow a vegan diet.

The change didn’t happen overnight, though. “It was around two-and-a-half years ago I stopped eating meat,” Mullally told Daily Star. However, he admitted that the transition wasn’t entirely perfect due to the concern that cutting out all meat might impact his rugby performance: “I just started eating chicken and then just fish so I was pescatarian. Eventually, I decided to go vegetarian and then in recent weeks I have decided to become fully vegan.”

The over 6 feet tall, 252-pound rugby star plays the role of forward for the Leeds Rhinos. If you’re unfamiliar with rugby, forwards are typically played by bigger, stronger players who rely on their strength to make plays. Given that protein is typically associated with animal-based products like meat and whey protein, it’s understandable that Mullally or any athlete would have reservations about transitioning to a plant-based diet. However, we need only look at all the plant-based athletes who have excelled in their field as proof that you don’t need meat or dairy in order do beat the odds.

Carl Lewis, a former track and field athlete, not only took home 9 Olympic gold medals, but also was named “Athlete of the Century” in 1999 by the International Olympic Committee. Patrick Baboumian, a German strongman competitor, and vegan since 2011, was named Germany’s Strongest Man and broke his former record for the yoke walk for 560 kilograms (1234.59 pounds) in 2015. Tennis star Venus Williams believes that following a raw vegan diet has helped enhance her athletic performance. And David Carter, a defensive lineman in American football also known as the 300-Pound Vegan, shatters stereotypes by being strong and athletic on a plant-based diet.

According to Mullally, “Now I look back I can’t believe I ever ate meat. I read up about physiology and anatomy and the more I looked into it, the more I personally came to the decision we are not designed to eat meat. I feel evidence is more compelling for a vegan diet.” We’re happy to see yet another athlete proving that you don’t need meat in order to be fit, strong, or masculine.

Lead image source: Leeds Rhinos