LJMU Professor joins British and Irish Lions tour

Liverpool Professor Graeme Close has described joining The British and Irish Lions sport science team as “truly special” ahead of a much-anticipated summer of rugby.

Professor Close, a leading expert in sports nutrition and physiology at LJMU, is travelling with the Lions squad to Australia, where the tourists face a challenging seven-time-zone shift to Perth for the opening match on June 28.

As part of the elite performance team, Professor Close is leading the Lions’ nutrition programme and supporting wider physiological preparation—most notably, developing and implementing jet lag strategies. These plans will be essential to ensure optimal performance during a demanding travel and competition schedule.

“As a rugby person, working with the Lions is the pinnacle of my applied career,” said Professor Close, from the group’s training camp in Portugal.

“I’ve known Andy Farrell since my own rugby-playing days as a child and have admired everything about him and his career. To get the chance to be part of his team is truly special.”

A long-standing academic at LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Professor Close is also proud to be representing the university and drawing upon its wide-ranging research and applied expertise.

“It’s also amazing to represent all the staff at LJMU. I’m bringing together many colleagues’ research and specialist knowledge to support the Lions, bringing LJMU’s world-leading science into one of the highest-performance environments in world sport.”

LJMU is widely recognised for its impact in elite sports performance and has supported many athletes and organisations across rugby, football, athletics, and beyond. Professor Close’s work with England Rugby and the British and Irish Lions continues that proud tradition.

- LJMU's School of Sport and Exercise Science is a pioneer in its field launching the world's first degree in sport science in 1975.

IMAGE: Refuelling: Graeme Close hands forward Tom Curry some refreshment during training in Portugal.