We caught up with Premiership Rugby Player and Nuzest Ambassador, Malakai Fekitoa, to get the lowdown on his career to date, why he chooses Nuzest to fuel his Rugby, and how he coped with Lockdown 2020!
Tell us about yourself Malakai
"I was born and raised in Ha’apai in Tonga. I left the island when I was 12 years old to go to the main island for high school and to play rugby.
At 16 years old I went to New Zealand for collage and rugby. At 19 I played professional rugby in Auckland and joined the All Blacks when I was 21/22. I’ve played for Toulon and now I’m in the UK playing for Wasps."
What inspires and motivates you in life?
"Succeeding in sport and in life. To be better than yesterday and to help others, to give back."
What does success look like for you?
"I have a lot to be grateful for. It’s tough in Tonga, rugby was my focus and 3 years after I started playing professional rugby I was playing for the All Blacks. I’ve played at the highest level for 8 years and now it’s now about finding ways to be even better today than yesterday.
Making a difference is my focus and to help my family. I hope to start a family and have some beautiful kids. It would be really cool to share my experience with them."
What is your greatest achievement in life so far?
"In sport, winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup. In life, owning properties is something I didn’t even dream of when I was younger. I’ve been able to put my brothers through school."
What’s your history with Nuzest?
"Sean Hughes worked with me as a strength and conditioning coach and introduced me to Nuzest. I’ve been consuming Nuzest since 2014. I feel it helps a lot with how I feel in my body. I take Nuzest after all my trainings – it makes a difference."
Why do you choose to be Fuelled by Nuzest?
"Being plant-based, Nuzest helps me with my daily protein requirements while reducing meat – it makes a difference. Good Green Stuff really helps with energy in the mornings. It helps me prepare for a big session – whether it’s rugby or training. I feel I perform better with it in me."
What are your favourite Nuzest products?
"Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein Rich Chocolate is my favourite, but I also enjoy the Smooth Vanilla. I mix Nuzest’s Good Green Stuff into my Clean Lean Protein.
I find Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein bars are good in between sessions, especially when you don’t want to eat a big meal. I prefer the Cacao Coconut flavour. They work for me. I feel good on them."
Have you noticed any benefits from taking Nuzest products? If so, what are they?
"For me, it’s about how you feel. I feel better using Nuzest – I have more energy and recover better. Nuzest has helped my performance.
Before 2014, I used whey and I always carried a higher bodyfat. Since 2014, it’s been easier to keep a lower bodyfat using Nuzest as part of my diet."
How do you incorporate Nuzest into your daily routine?
"I consume Good Green Vitality mixed into Clean Lean Protein in the morning. After a training session or match, I consume Good Green Vitality with my food."
How have you found life in lockdown?
"Lockdown was challenging across the world but I was proud to do my part and found that I was able to grow mentally off the field and adjusting my routine helped me be more organized within my home."
Did you find time to train during lockdown?
"Yes, thankfully I was able to continue to train at home and then outside as the weather got warmer. I’ve been able to maintain a regular routine to keep me ready to get straight back into rugby."
Was your diet affected while in lockdown?
"My diet remained pretty stable, thankfully the supermarkets have been operating and staying full so I was able to stick to my normal diet."
Did you learn any new skills or hobbies?
"I bought a proper coffee machine and now can make a cafe quality coffee haha".
