Lay summary
The rapid increase in obesity rates in recent years, particularly among Maori and Pacific men is a serious health concern and highlights the need for programmes to help them manage their weight. Unfortunately, men do not typically engage with traditional weight loss programmes. Professional rugby with its high male, Maori and Pacific fan base provides an ideal way to deliver weight management programmes; however, before conducting a trial to assess the effectiveness of this approach, key feasibility issues need to be addressed. An effective programme developed in Scotland will be modified and pre-tested to determine its acceptability for New Zealand men. Focus groups and key stakeholder interviews will be conducted to determine their opinions and perceptions about the proposed programme. The proposed research will have a direct impact on the health of men, with a particular focus on Maori and Pacific by reducing the burden of disease associated with obesity.