Assuming you live in a developed country, it is all but impossible that you do not have enough protein in your regular diet to be fully healthy and grow as your genetics dictate you may. Taking a *small* supplement of protein will probably do you no harm, but you can get that at any grocery store. It also will probably do you no great good. Taking anything more than that - yes, even if it is all legal and sold over the counter - should be done only with the direction of a physician or a properly qualified nutritionist, and with the knowledge and approval of your coach and your parents. Dietary supplements in the US are not inspected and approved as are medicines. There are very few limitations on claims of efficacy, and limited quality control in the materials you purchase. In short, no uninterested party certifies then to be either safe or useful. And, in addition, it's dollars to donuts that you do not know enough biology and pharmacology to know how these supplements are going to interact with any other chemicals you are ingesting, including over-the-counter drugs. Trying to be positive now. Start by making an appointment to speak with your coach about a program of nutrition and training that is best suited to rugby, including to the position9s) you play. I am highly confident that he will want to know whether you have discussed this with your parents and probably also with a doctor. But perhaps he is well enough trained that he feels that is not necessary. Do NOT take your advice on nutritional supplements form other adolescents - they know no more than you do about the underlying issues or facts. And if you goal is rugby, not bodybuilding, do not take advice from bodybuilders. Mark L
