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What do England Rugby players eat at Christmas?

Alex Mitchell in a white England Rugby training top. He is looking to the side a pulling a quizzical face.
Alex Mitchell said he had "no idea" how many calories he eats on Christmas Day [Reuters]

England Rugby Union player Alex Mitchell revealed he will divert from his usual diet on Christmas Day and eat "what I want".

The 27-year-old and his teammates at Northampton Saints will have the day off from training, before returning to their usual schedule on Boxing Day.

Mitchell missed the beginning of the season after sustaining a neck injury, but he returned earlier this month.

He said: "I will be eating what I want and when I want, before we are back on Boxing Day."

Alex Mitchell, George Hendy and Henry Pollock sit side by side. All three are wearing green Saints training tops and green "Santa" hats. All three are looking at the camera and smiling.
Northampton Saints players Alex Mitchell, George Hendy and Henry Pollock (left-to-right) took part in wrapping Christmas gifts for fans [Carroll Weston]

The scrum-half added: "Some of the bigger players consume over 4,000 calories a day, maybe even 5,000."

Mitchell's team mate, George Hendy, said there were no rules for players on Christmas Day and it "depends on the individual" what they eat and drink.

"Thankfully I am on an all-I-can-eat diet," the full-back said.

"Eat what I want and when I want, so Christmas day will be incredibly fun for me."

Nineteen-year-old Henry Pollock, who has been considered one of the rising stars of English rugby, recently signed a new multi-year deal with the Northampton Saints.

But similar to his fellow players he said: "I will be eating as much as I can and want - that's for sure."

The team's next fixture is against the Newcastle Falcons and will take place at the Cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens - the home of the Northampton Saints - on 28 December at 15:00 GMT.

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