This topic is about finding the best nutrition and hydration strategies for rugby players who have an ileostomy. The goal is to ensure they have enough energy for the game while managing stoma output and staying hydrated. Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Time your meals: Many people notice that ileostomy output typically occurs about 4-5 hours after eating. To manage this, try having your main meal closer to game time, such as around 3-4 p.m. for a 6-8 p.m. match. This way, you'll have energy available, but the output will likely start after the game.

2. Choose light, slow-moving pre-game snacks:
- Have a CLIF Bar or another protein/energy bar about an hour before the game starts.
- Consider crackers and cheese or pretzels to help thicken output and provide carbohydrates and salt.
- A small meal with protein and salt, like bacon and eggs, followed by a banana, can offer carbs, sugars, and potassium right before the game.

3. For longer sessions, consider a mid-event boost:
- A cheese or peanut-butter-and-Marmite sandwich with some chocolate can provide carbohydrates, protein, B-vitamins, and salt without causing rapid transit.

4. Focus on hydration and electrolyte replacement:
- Drink low-calorie Gatorade before or after workouts.
- Use Pedialyte (Adult) or other electrolyte-replacement drinks during the game. Some people drink a whole 32 oz bottle each game.
- Dioralyte sachets can help with fluid absorption by providing an optimal glucose-and-salt ratio.

5. Physical exertion itself may slow stoma output. Many athletes report minimal or delayed flow while playing.

6. If necessary, plan for a bathroom break at halftime. With these strategies, most people can usually make it through a full game.