ROBBIE Mulhern is a big champion of protecting the environment.
And it was that passion which informed the Warrington Wolves prop’s decision to switch to a vegan diet several years ago.
Having initially had fears that the absence of meat in his diet would impact his ability to be at the coal face in top-level rugby league, the 27-year-old delved into some research.
Once he discovered ways in which veganism does not have to come at the expense of physicality, his decision was a simple one.
“I’ve not eaten meat for just over four years now,” he said.
“I think I always knew from being quite young that I would stop eventually.
“The older I got and the more research I did into it, I realised it would be possible to have a vegan diet and still play professional sport.
“The big thought is that eating meat is where you get all your protein from, but that’s not really the case.
“Once I’d realised that, I thought I’d see myself as a bit of a hypocrite if I carried on eating meat so I stopped from there.”
Mulhern was at Hull Kingston Rovers when he chose to alter his diet and at the time, he was knocking on the door for international selection.
Indeed, he played once for England in a friendly match against France before touring Papua New Guinea with England Knights.
So having taken the plunge himself, would he urge his Warrington Wolves teammates to do the same.
“Trying to convert people isn’t my style at all. It was a personal choice for me,” he said.
“If the lads wanted advice about it, I’d happily give it to them but if everyone else here eats meat, it’s no skin off my nose.
“At first, I felt quite light but you get used to it. I didn’t really do it for the health or performance side of it, it was more for ethical reasons.
“If you eat a good diet – whether that’s with or without meat – you’re going to be alright.”