Japan's Dylan Riley inks deal with sports nutrition powerhouse HALEO

Saitama Wild Knights and Japan star Dylan Riley has become the latest Brave Blossoms international to join award-winning Japanese sports nutrition and supplement brand HALEO.

South Africa-born centre Riley, 29, is a key player for club and country, winning 43 caps for his adopted nation who he qualifies for on residency grounds.

The former Australia u20s international, who scored the match-winning try in the inaugural Japan Rugby League One final in front of 33,000 fans in 2022, joins Japan teammates Michael Leitch and Keita Inagaki on the HALEO team.

HALEO, which is operated by Body Plus International, is an elite sports nutrition brand founded by entrepreneur David Halton.

Riley, who is currently away on a Japan national team training camp in Miyazaki, announced the partnership in a post on Instagram.

“HALEO is a brand I’ve been using consistently, with supplements specifically developed for athletes and a strong focus on anti-doping awareness and safety,” said Riley who is working towards appearing in his second Rugby World Cup showpiece next year.

“I’ve personally experienced the quality and benefits of their products in supporting my performance and recovery.”

HALEO also operates a gym in Daikanyama where its world-class roster of athletes – including sumo wrestlers, boxers and MMA fighters - train under the watchful eye of long-time strength and conditioning coach Andrew Jackson.

Japan rugby icons Leitch and Inagaki, who collectively boast 150 caps for Japan, are two of the country’s most admired athletes and are two of the faces of the HALEO brand.

Riley, who is also club teammate of Inagaki, added: “Sometimes you can’t do it alone but with their support I will continue to push my performance to the next level, while representing my team and contributing to the growth of Japanese rugby.”

Eddie Jones’ Japan host Canada in Niigata on Saturday before entertaining USA in a Pacific Nations Cup semi-final in Osaka next week.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for full coverage of Japan’s upcoming games