Purpose

To lead the athletic performance preparation of Queensland Reds Academy players by delivering an integrated physical development program aligned to the Queensland Reds game model and Rugby Australia's National Athletic Performance Framework.

The role is accountable for developing robust, physically prepared athletes capable of transitioning successfully into the Queensland Reds professional environment while maximising player availability, long-term development and readiness for elite rugby demands.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning & Performance Delivery

• Design, implement and evaluate a periodised athletic performance program aligned to the Reds Queensland game model.
• Align planning with Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia frameworks.
• Integrate coaching, medical, sports science and talent management.
• Prepare players for transition into professional rugby.

Physical Performance Development

• Lead strength, power, speed, conditioning, movement quality and robustness programs.
• Individualise programs using profiling and positional demands.
• Drive high coaching standards.

Player Availability & Return to Performance

• In conjunction with medical staff and national screening, develop individual resilience plans
• Collaborate with medical staff to maximise availability.
• Support reconditioning and return-to-performance.
• Implement recovery strategies.

Individual Player Development & Education

• Maintain Individual Development Plans.
• Profile players against national standards.
• Monitor and communicate progress.
• Lead education of player professional behaviors
• Develop players’ understanding of best practice physical preparation
• Utilise available dietetic support

Testing, Monitoring & Sports Science

• Lead testing aligned with Rugby Australia frameworks.
• Coordinate GPS, workload, wellness and hydration monitoring.
• Interpret and communicate performance data.

High-Performance Integration

• Work closely with the Head of Athletic Performance & National Head of Pathways
• Support integrated planning across Academy and senior programs.
• Provide timely communication on athlete progression.

Game Day Performance

• Coordinate warm-ups, recovery and match-day preparation.
• Attend Academy matches as required.

Leadership & Professional Standards

• Create a high-performance environment.
• Mentor interns and developing practitioners.
• Model Queensland Reds values.

Capabilities, Experience & Qualifications

• Experience in elite athletic physical development.
• Knowledge of long-term athlete development.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• ASCA Professional accreditation (or equivalent).
• Experience with GPS and athlete monitoring technologies.
• Excellent communication and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Evidence-based programming skills.
• Commitment to athlete wellbeing and continuous improvement.