England rugby stars load up on sushi, crispy chicken tenders, bao buns and fruit kebabs as soon as they finish matches as they attempt to replenish their glycogen levels.

The dishes, which contain plenty of carbohydrates and protein, help players begin their recovery process after 80 minutes of gruelling match action.

The tactic appears to be working well, with England clinching their second win of the Six Nations on Saturday as they narrowly defeated Scotland 16-15 in the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham.

And the victory means Steve Borthwick’s team are still in the mix for silverware as they trail table-toppers Ireland by just four points ahead of the final two rounds of fixtures.

England Rugby shared a video showcasing players’ post-match eating regime on X (formerly Twitter). In the video, members of England’s backroom set-up deliver food to a table in the dressing room, while try scorer Tommy Freeman gets stuck into the various dishes on offer.

And a narrator explains: “It’s important for the players to consume food and fluid as soon as possible post-match. This helps kick-start the recovery process.

“By increasing carbohydrates, we flood glycogen back into the body. Lots of protein helps repair sore muscles. And of course lots of fluids to help with hydration.”

After outlining the foods on offer, he adds: “Quick, tasty and exactly what’s needed after 80 minute on the pitch.”

England were fortunate to escape with four points from their encounter at Twickenham as the visitors dominated for large spells and outscored their hosts by three tries to one.

But Scotland fly-half Finn Russell had a day to forget with the boot as he missed all three of his conversion attempts.

And after the match, England head coach Borthwick explained: “I’ve been very clear that I want the team to play with ball in hand, to attack with it, to be brave, aggressive with the ball. There is another team trying to stop you and they’re pretty good at it.

“I’d point out how hard the team run for each other, which is definitely something that’s developed. I am a believer that you get back what you put in.

“I’m a believer that if you keep trying to do the right things, if you keep working hard you will get rewarded. It’s the way I was brought up, it’s the way I believe in.

“So that’s what we will continue to do. That’s part of my roots, part of my make-up. I’ve always believed in it. If you put in the hard work, you’ll get the reward.”