July 06, 2026

327: Building Nutrition Systems in Elite Sport

32 minutes

Richard Graves welcomes Dr James Morehen back to the Science for Sport podcast for a practical conversation on what it really takes to work in elite performance nutrition.

James reflects on his journey from Liverpool John Moores University to rugby league, England football, Premiership rugby, international rugby, and his current work with England Rugby. But this episode is less about the polished version of elite sport, and more about the details that actually make performance environments work.

From gaining experience as a student, to building a trusted network, to solving problems on tour before they affect the athletes, James gives a clear view of the craft behind applied performance nutrition. He explains why degrees matter, but why they are only part of the picture, and why students and early-career practitioners need to get into clubs, support research, present to athletes, make mistakes, and learn from them.

James also shares examples from inside elite sport, including heat strategies, travel logistics, hydration planning, making weight for combat athletes, and the hidden operational details that can decide whether a practitioner is adding real value or simply reacting under pressure.

This is a valuable episode for sports nutritionists, sports scientists, S&C coaches, performance directors, students, and anyone interested in the reality of working behind the scenes in high-performance sport.

In this episode you will learn

Why academic knowledge is essential, but not enough on its own

How students can build meaningful experience while still at university

Why volunteering, research participation, and applied placements can separate candidates in a crowded field

What James looks for when interviewing or mentoring young practitioners

How to build a professional network that genuinely improves your practice

Why elite sport often comes down to simple details done exceptionally well

How practitioners use networks to check, challenge, and improve strategies

What travel, heat, hydration, and logistics look like inside international rugby

Why mentorship matters at every stage of a practitioner’s career

How James is now helping clubs and practitioners develop better nutrition systems

About Dr James Morehen

Dr James Morehen is a performance nutritionist working at the highest level of elite sport. He is currently Lead Performance Nutritionist for England Rugby and has supported athletes and teams across rugby league, England football pathways, Premiership rugby, international rugby, and professional boxing.

James completed his undergraduate, master’s and PhD studies at Liverpool John Moores University, where his interest in applied physiology and performance nutrition developed through his work in rugby league. Alongside his work in elite environments, James is the founder of the Performance Nutrition Network and is passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation of practitioners.

His work focuses not only on evidence-based nutrition, but on the practical systems, communication, logistics, and problem-solving needed to support athletes in real performance environments.

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