Used across union, league & the Six Nations
Last to fall in the final ten.
The cramp shot used across union, league and the Six Nations to protect against late-game cramp. Calf and hamstring cramp eased in 60 to 90 seconds. Take it before kick-off, in the sheds at half time, or pitchside when something starts to grab.
Shop PickleUp Pro →The Protocol
When to take it on a matchday.
Three windows: before kick-off, at half time, and pitchside if cramp starts to creep in. Simple enough for Saturday club rugby, used the same way at the top end.
Window 01 — Pre-Match
1 shot 15 mins before kick-off
Why. Switches on the cramp reflex before the first carry. Take it in the sheds with your warm-up routine, ahead of the ref's whistle.
Window 02 — Half Time
1 shot in the sheds
Why. The 60th to 70th minute is where late-game cramp usually lands in rugby. The half-time shot heads it off. Take it after the team talk, before you head back out.
Window 03 — Pitchside
1 shot first sign of tightness
Why. Shot down in 90 seconds, jog it off, back on. Don't wait for a full lock-up in the calf or hamstring. Take it the moment something starts to grab.
Protocols by match type
Club & grassroots rugby
One before kick-off. One at half time. Keep one in the kit bag for the player who always cramps in the last quarter. Three per cramp-prone player covers most fixtures.
Sevens tournament weekend
One before each match. One between matches alongside food. Recovery between games is short and cramp risk stacks. Plan for five to six shots per player across a full day.
Cup final or knockout (extra time)
One pre-match. One at half time. One ready at the 60th minute. One stashed for the extra-time whistle. Four shots, one for each phase. This is what we send with our partner clubs.
Pre-season and double sessions
One shot before high-intensity sessions, contact days or hot-weather training. Pre-season is the highest cramp-risk window in the calendar. Front-load the protocol.
The Science
Rugby cramp isn't just about dehydration. It's neurological.
Cramp in the last quarter comes from the nervous system, not the muscle. After repeated scrums, rucks, line breaks and tackles, the signal between brain and muscle starts to misfire. That's why fully-hydrated, fully-fuelled players still cramp at 65 minutes.
PickleUp uses a vinegar hit to trigger sensory receptors in your mouth and throat. That sends a signal to your brainstem that resets the cramp reflex across the body. Usually within 60 to 90 seconds. No digestion required, which is why a player can take it pitchside and be back on within a minute.
The science was pioneered by researchers including Prof. Kevin Miller, whose work has changed how elite rugby and football handles late-game cramp.
Read the full science →60-90s
Onset of relief
65th
Where cramp lands
21g
Fast carbs per shot
50ml
Fits in a sock
"First full season I haven't lost a forward to cramp in extra time."— Head of Performance, top-flight rugby club
For clubs and squads
Kitting out the whole squad?
Bulk pricing for clubs, academies and S&C staff. Used across union, league and the Six Nations, from Saturday club rugby up to international level. Trade access available for DoRs, nutritionists and performance staff.
Apply for club pricing →FAQ
Questions from rugby players.
What we get asked by players, coaches and S&C staff.
How fast does it actually work?
Usually 60 to 90 seconds. The shot triggers a reflex through your nervous system rather than going through digestion, so a player can take it pitchside and be back on inside a minute.
Can players take it during a match?
Yes. Stash a shot with the physio or in the bench area. When a player feels something tightening, they get treatment, take the shot, and return when the ref allows. This is how it's used across union and league, including at international level.
Is it World Rugby, RFU and Premiership compliant?
Yes. All ingredients are natural and widely used in sports nutrition. No banned substances, no stimulants, no grey areas. Informed Sport certified, so it's cleared for use at every level of the game.
Will it upset the players' stomachs?
The formula is built for use during high-intensity effort. 50ml goes down in one without sitting heavy. If a player is particularly cramp-prone or new to the shot, trial it in a training match first rather than debuting it in a fixture.
How does it compare to salt tabs or electrolyte drinks?
Salt and electrolytes target hydration. PickleUp targets the cramp reflex through your nervous system. Different mechanism. Most cramp-prone players find PickleUp works where electrolytes don't. The two don't conflict, plenty of players use both.
How many shots does a squad need per match?
For a matchday 23, plan for 30 to 36 shots per fixture. That covers pre-match for the squad, half time for the starters, and pitchside shots for cramp-prone players in the last quarter. Knockout rugby and tournament weekends will need more.
Forwards or backs — does it matter who takes it?
Cramp doesn't discriminate. Forwards tend to cramp in the calves and hamstrings from repeated scrums and rucks. Backs tend to cramp in the hamstrings from repeated sprints and line breaks. Same protocol works for both. The 23 should all be on the same plan.
Is there bulk pricing for clubs?
Yes. Trade pricing is available for clubs, academies, S&C teams and nutritionists. Minimum order quantities and pricing are handled through our trade hub. Apply for access through the link above.
What does it taste like?
Tangy and sharp with a pineapple finish. Pickle juice, made drinkable. The bite is part of how it works. That sharp taste is what triggers the reflex. Players get used to it fast.
Last man standing at the final whistle.
Pre-match. Half time. Pitchside. Three windows that decide whether you finish the match or watch it from the bench.
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