PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Head Physiotherapist is a senior leader within the NSW Waratahs High Performance program, responsible for the delivery, integration and continuous improvement of physiotherapy, injury prevention, rehabilitation and medical services.

The role is accountable for maximising player availability, minimising injury risk and re-injury rates, and contributing to team performance through evidence-based clinical practice, integrated performance planning and system-wide leadership across Senior and Pathway programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

• Deliver world-class physiotherapy services including assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of all injuries.
• Design and implement individualised, evidence-based rehabilitation programs aligned to return-to-play timelines and performance outcomes.
• Lead return-to-play decision-making in collaboration with coaching, S&C and medical staff.
• Provide clear, timely communication to players and staff regarding injury status and recovery expectations.
• Ensure best-practice clinical standards and continuous improvement of rehabilitation methodologies.
• Provide match-day medical coverage including acute injury management and post-match care.

Injury Prevention & Monitoring

• Lead the development and implementation of a season-long player availability strategy.
• Design and oversee injury prevention programs integrated into training plans.
• Co-lead load management strategies with Strength & Conditioning staff.
• Monitor player health, readiness and injury risk using objective and subjective data.
• Drive continuous improvement in injury reduction strategies and outcomes.

Performance Integration

• Actively contribute to weekly and periodised training planning.
• Provide clinical input into training modifications, player availability and selection readiness.
• Collaborate daily with coaching and performance staff to optimise player performance outcomes.
• Integrate medical and performance data to inform decision-making.

Medical Coordination

• Lead the coordination of all medical services, including surgeons, general practitioners, dentists, and massage therapists to ensure high-quality medical support.
• Facilitate surgical consultations, specialist referrals and ancillary medical bookings as required.
• Establish and maintain an accurate inventory of medical equipment and supplies, managing costs
• Maintain comprehensive, professional-standard medical records in association with the team doctor, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards

Leadership & Program Development

• Manage and develop assistant/academy physiotherapists including performance reviews, professional development planning, and day-to-day supervision
• Oversee the Academy medical program ensuring alignment with Senior program standards.
• Contribute to High Performance strategic planning and program development.
• Develop and implement a physiotherapy service model across all Waratahs programs.
• Foster a high-performance culture aligned with organisational values.

Data, Technology & Innovation

• Utilise athlete management systems to monitor injury, workload and readiness.
• Analyse and report on injury trends, availability metrics and performance outcomes.
• Integrate emerging technologies and data analytics into clinical practice.
• Contribute to innovation initiatives and continuous improvement frameworks.

Compliance & Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain close liaison with Rugby Australia’s national physiotherapy and medical staff to ensure alignment with national protocols.
• Ensure all medical reporting systems are up to date and that all Waratahs programs are fully compliant with the medical process and procedures included in the High-Performance Agreement.
• Liaise with Premiership club physiotherapists to support shared athlete management.
• Contribute positively to squad culture, team cohesion, and the broader goals of each program.

Professional Standards

• Operate effectively in high pressure, time-constrained environments
• Travel domestically and internationally as required
• Work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and competition periods
• Maintain ongoing professional development and clinical accreditation.

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Essential

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in physiotherapy or equivalent
• Demonstrated at least 5+ years’ experience as an assistant or lead physiotherapist within a professional rugby program or equivalent
• Sport Specific emergency pitch-side training (Immediate Care in Rugby Level 2)
• Current sports physiotherapist registration
• Ongoing maintenance of CPD as outlined by your regulatory body.
• Experience of working in a team environment in a contact sport.
• Extensive experience leading physiotherapy services in elite sport
• Proven experience in injury diagnosis, rehabilitation and return-to-play management
• Experience in high-performance, multi-disciplinary environments
• Experience managing acute injuries in match environments
• Experience developing and mentoring staff and interns
• Experience implementing injury prevention and monitoring systems

Desirable

• Post graduate qualification in Coaching, Sport Science, High Performance or a related discipline.
• Sport Specific emergency pitch-side training (Immediate Care in Rugby Level 3)
• Experience working within a professional or international rugby environment.
• Advanced knowledge of musculoskeletal injury management, rehabilitation principles and return to play frameworks in elite sport.
• Strong understanding of Rugby specific profiles, physical demands and risk factors associated with collision sports.
• Knowledge of current best practice in recovery strategies, including load management, regeneration and fatigue monitoring.
• Understanding of sports medicine governance, medical compliance and documentation standards within high performance environments.
• Working knowledge of athlete monitoring systems and technologies to assess readiness, workload and injury risk.