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I’ve spoken to many impressive vegan athletes and yet during this conversation with  Brendon Bale, co-founder of Green Gazelles, the World’s First Vegan Rugby Club, I released what is really unique about the club.

Green Gazelles are busting vegan stereotypes with a supportive team spirit.

I grew up in New Zealand. Where rugby is a religion. Where young boys aspired to become an All Black and representing your country on the rugby pitch was about as good, and as “manly” as it got.

In Rugby 7’s with a smaller team and the same sized pitch, you need to be fit, fast and agile. What if there was an anti-inflammatory, high nutrient density diet that allowed you to train harder and recover faster?

When Brendon’s athletic performance improved after adopting a plant-based lifestyle to support his wife they started Green Gazelles. More than one club of high performing plant powered athletes, it’s now a global movement of 250+ players.

Men, women – pro-level and complete beginners. Coming together as a community for the love of rugby yet also, because as individuals committed to a lifestyle that is not yet the norm we need support and camaraderie.

As Brendon share’s the Green Gazelle mission has evolved to be about so much more than performing exceptionally while not eating animals.

They are “Promoting a more Compassionate, Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Future through Rugby.” Enough from me, please enjoy this conversation with Brendon Bale.

In this conversation we cover:

• Brendon adopted a plant-based diet with his wife Amy when she was recovering from a disc injury.
• Why Brendon and Amy started Green Gazelles.
• How the vegan lifestyle has helped Brendon’s athletic performance and recovery.
• Team camaraderie, mate-ship and the need for community.
• Challenges in communicating about a subject as polarising as veganism with friends and team mates.
• Brendons advice to his younger self so far as adopting a vegan lifestyle.
• True health being a matter of not just personal health also the health of your family, your community and the planet.
• The upcoming, Big Green Clash raising funds and awareness for earth-caring causes. Help Green Gazelles “Kick Climate Change Into Touch”.

“Meat is manly” is so dated. Yet, regularly I encounter people clinging tight to this stubborn, old belief. If you also know such individuals please consider sharing this conversation with them.

If you’re listening as soon as this goes live check out the upcoming, Big Green Clash. You can Help Green Gazelles “Kick Climate Change Into Touch” by attending on the 8th of September.

Or, if you’re listening at any time, you can help grow a supportive, positive movement by sharing the Green Gazelles content online and even better, by taking inspiration from Brendon and starting your own vegan club for the sport you love.

Promoting a more Compassionate and Eco-Friendly Future through Sport. @GreenGazelles7s Share on X

Green Gazelles website: www.greengazellesrugbyclub.com

Prior to the 8th September 2024 purchase tickets to Big Green Clash:

Connect with Green Gazelles across the socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | TikTok.

That’s it for this week in Healthification.

Plant Positive Journal (printed and fillable PDF)

This journal and daily planner follows a twelve month format however is not dated so it is perfect to use at ANY time of the year.

With love and gratitude plant friends.

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