Practical Considerations for Team Travel, the Lifestyle of Elite Athletes, Travel Fatigue, Infection and Coping with Jet Lag

International travel is an essential part of the lives of elite rugby players and their associated teams that accompany them, both for purposes of competition and training. Long-haul flights entail crossing multiple time zones, and this causes jet lag, due to disruption of the normal circadian rhythm. Players are also at increased risk of upper respiratory infection symptoms during long-haul travel. Various approaches have been used to reduce some of the effects of jet lag in sport performers. This chapter focuses on effective strategies and as such is a must read for teams and staff working with travelling rugby players.