Blues prop playing rugby during Ramadan
In the sports science age of counting calories and maximising protein intake fasting for 12 hours a day is not, one suspects, optimal for peak athletic performance.
All Blacks and Blues prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi has, however, grown so accustomed to going without food and water during Ramadan; he believes it inspires his best form. Tu’ungafasi is among a host of global athletes – including super lightweight world boxing champion Devin Haney and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah – but possibly the only professional sportsperson in a New Zealand context after Sonny Bill Williams’ retirement, who are in the midst of celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. As with all Muslims at this time of year Tu’ungafasi is – from March 10 to April 9 – forgoing water and food from sunrise to sunset in a quest to strengthen spirituality.
For Tu’ungafasi, a powerful defender and versatile scrummager, that involves packing down the front-row against the Crusaders, as the Blues attempt to defy history at Eden Park on Saturday nigh , having only consumed a hearty breakfast of two steaks and multiple eggs with a side of water.
“For me in the month of Ramadan, the biggest thing is gratitude and being grateful for where I am, and what I have,” Tu’ungafasi says after finishing training with the Blues on a 21C afternoon in Auckland.
“It’s a month of reflecting and appreciating everything that is happening in my life.”
Tu’ungafasi’s 122kg frame requires substantial fuel to thrive in the heart of the Blues pack but he says resisting cravings, maintaining weight and energy while fasting for a month in season is not an issue.
“It’s not a challenge for me. I’m used to going without food growing up. It’s a little bit tough going without water especially today when the sun is out. This is my seventh or eighth season doing Ramadan and it’s probably the best time of my season. That’s when I play some of my best footy.
“I love the challenge of fasting with no food, no water. I don’t expect anything from myself I just go out there and play.”
During the COVID-impacted
2020 season, when the All
Blacks returned home from Australia and had to isolate for two weeks, Tu’ungafasi took his fasting to the next level.
“I can go without food. I did 10 days without food then. I was just lying in the hotel so that part is easy to manage. My weight stays the same throughout Ramadan. When it gets really hot, going without water is challenging for me.”
Such sacrifice helps Tu’ungafasii appreciate how hard he has worked from humble roots in Tonga to establish his 57-test career with the All Blacks – and remind him that others remain far less privileged. “There are millions of people around the world who are in that position [without food] or worse. I don’t think it’s a big thing going for 12 to 14 hours without food or water.
“Islam has been a massive part of my career and my life the last nine or 10 years. Ramadan is the holy month in Islam. I’m grateful to be here and do Ramadan during the season.”