The Unseen Battle Behind the Jersey

At 21, Scottish rugby phenom Alex Stewart faced a challenge tougher than any opponent: a dual diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease during the 2024 Women's Six Nations. The back-row enforcer, renowned for her bone-crunching tackles and relentless engine, suddenly found herself grappling with unexplained fatigue and weight loss.

From Six Nations Setback to World Cup Comeback

• Medical Wake-Up Call: Routine blood tests revealed shocking results during tournament preparations
• Nutritional Minefield: Balancing gluten-free requirements with high-performance athletic needs
• Team Support System: Scottish Rugby's medical team developing customized meal plans and glucose monitoring protocols

Stewart adapting to new nutritional demands while maintaining peak physical condition

The Performance Puzzle

"It's like rebuilding your body as an elite machine with different fuel requirements," Stewart explained. Her daily regimen now includes:

1. Continuous glucose monitoring during training sessions
2. Gluten-free meal prep with team nutritionists
3. Hydration strategies tailored for metabolic changes

World Cup Redemption Arc

With the 2025 Rugby World Cup looming, Stewart's comeback story adds fire to Scotland's campaign:

• Critical Wales Clash: 23 August opener seen as tournament decider
• New Performance Metrics: Medical team tracking 15% improvement in recovery rates
• Mental Resilience Training: Mindfulness techniques to manage chronic condition stress

"This diagnosis forced me to become the smartest version of myself," Stewart declared. "Every carb counts, every training session matters double – it's made me a more complete athlete."

Championship Outlook

Scotland's coaching staff reports:

• 20% increase in Stewart's tackle success rate since diagnosis
• New leadership role in team nutrition workshops
• Potential to become first athlete with Type 1 diabetes to score in Rugby World Cup history

"When life throws bricks," Stewart grins, tapping her helmet, "you build stronger foundations."