Local healthy food business to support Ulster Rugby Academy players with high-protein nutrition throughout pre-season
Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce a new partnership with Belfast-based healthy food business Slim’s Healthy Kitchen, which will support the development of the province’s next generation of rugby talent.
As part of the partnership, Slim’s Healthy Kitchen will provide high-protein meals and sides to Ulster Rugby Academy players throughout their pre-season programme, helping fuel performance and recovery during one of the most demanding periods of the season.
Founded by entrepreneur Gary McIldowney, Slim’s Healthy Kitchen has become a recognised name across Northern Ireland through its restaurants and convenient ready-to-eat meal range stocked in leading supermarkets. The new partnership brings that expertise directly into an elite sporting environment, supporting Academy players as they continue their journey towards professional rugby.
The collaboration will see hundreds of meals supplied to Academy players, ensuring they have access to nutritious, high-quality food that supports their training, recovery and overall development.
Gary McIldowney, Founder of Slim’s Healthy Kitchen, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be working with Ulster Rugby and to have the opportunity to support the next generation of talent coming through the Academy.
“Nutrition is a huge part of performance in professional sport. These young players are putting their bodies under significant demands through training, conditioning, and matches, so making sure they have access to fresh, high-quality, high-protein food that supports energy, muscle recovery, and their overall development is really important.
“At Slim’s, we’ve always believed healthy food should be convenient, accessible and something people can enjoy every day. Being able to take that approach into an elite sporting environment and help fuel these players as they work towards the next stage of their careers is something we’re incredibly excited about.”
Ulster Rugby CEO Hugh McCaughey welcomed the partnership and highlighted the important role nutrition plays in player development.
“We are delighted to welcome Slim’s Healthy Kitchen as a partner supporting our Academy programme. The development of young players extends far beyond what happens on the pitch, and nutrition plays a vital role in helping athletes train, recover and perform at their best.
“Our Academy players are balancing the demands of elite rugby with education, work and personal commitments, so having access to high-quality, nutritious meals during pre-season is a significant benefit. Partnerships like this help create an environment where young talent can thrive and reach their full potential.
“It is particularly pleasing to work with a successful local business that shares our commitment to supporting people in their development. We look forward to working with Gary and the team at Slim’s Healthy Kitchen as they help fuel the next generation of Ulster Rugby players.”
McIldowney added:
“Ulster Rugby has a huge connection with people and communities across Northern Ireland, and we’re delighted to be playing a small part in the journey of the players who could go on to represent Ulster and, potentially, Ireland.”