Lead Academy Physiotherapist

About the Role

The Connacht Lead Academy Physiotherapist provides physiotherapy services to the Connacht Rugby Academy, National Talent Squad and National U20 squad, delivering best-practice sports medicine in partnership with the Head Physiotherapist and Doctor(s). The role liaises and works with medical, fitness and coaching staff on all physiotherapy-related issues within the Connacht Academy and U20 squad. Operationally the post-holder reports to the Academy Manager and Head of Physiotherapy at Connacht Rugby, with a functional reporting line to the IRFU U20s and Men's National Talent Pathway Physiotherapist. The position also involves leading and managing the Connacht Academy Physiotherapy team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide proactive and reactive physiotherapy care to Connacht Academy, National Talent Squad and National U20 players based in Connacht.
• Develop and co-ordinate the planning and delivery of injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes, working closely with fitness advisors and other specialists.
• Assist with the local development and integration of the injury tracking and monitoring system and ensure injury data is kept up to date.
• Complete musculo-skeletal screening for all academy players at the start of the season, implement individual prevention programmes and carry out end-of-season physiotherapy assessments, pre-signing and exit medicals as required.
• Attend Connacht squad training, provide treatment at times suitable to the player and ensure cross-cover arrangements are in place for all absences.
• Provide physiotherapy cover for Connacht Academy home and away fixtures and accompany players on visits to consultants where possible.
• Maintain up-to-date notes on the online player medical management system, complete post-match injury reports with the Provincial Team Doctor and prepare written reports for coaching staff.
• Communicate regularly with the Connacht Medicine & Science team, coaches and IRFU national medical staff on player injuries, welfare and progress.
• Order medical supplies and equipment, work within a budget and report associated costs to the Connacht Lead Physiotherapist.
• Provide leadership to and manage the service delivery of the Connacht Academy Physiotherapy team, holding regular staff meetings and maintaining relationships with Connacht Rugby, national team medical and IRFU Medical Department staff.
• Deliver player education on injury prevention, treatment and management and maintain continued professional development, including attendance at IRFU physiotherapy meetings.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in physiotherapy / Chartered Physiotherapist status.
• A minimum of one year's post-graduate experience working as a team physiotherapist to a professional sports team.
• Current CORU registration.
• Good communication skills.
• The ability to work well within a team environment.
• Good organisational skills.
• Experience working in sports medicine.
• Flexibility and willingness to work unsociable hours, including weekends and evenings.

Preferred Skills

• Higher qualification in sports physiotherapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy or sports science.
• Computer competence to the level of ECDL.
• Pitch-side traumatology qualification.
• Full clean driving licence.