First Team Physiotherapist

Organisation: Cardiff Rugby
Salary: 35000
Location: Cardiff
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 30 January 2026
Job Description: Primarily responsible for the treatment and rehabilitation of the transition group cohort and assisting the Head of Medical / Senior Physiotherapists with managing senior Cardiff Rugby squad players.

To assist the Head of Medical / Senior Physiotherapists with daily assessment, treatment and management of short term injured players.

To support in the delivery of prehabilitation strategy and programs for transition group and senior squad in conjunction with Head of Medical / Senior Physiotherapists.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

a) To assist delivery of Physiotherapy needs of the senior Cardiff squad under the guidance of the Head of Medical / Senior Physiotherapists.
b) To assist the Head of Medical / Senior Physiotherapists with daily treatment / soft tissue therapy requirements.
c) Medical delivery at home and away fixtures as required in preparation pre match and pitch-side trauma care as required
d) Manage and coordinate treatment pathways and return to play criteria for Cardiff Rugby transition group players.
e) Support the supervision of students and internship students.
f) Proficient medical data entry as per CSP / HCPC standard of notation.
g) Contribute to the Treatment room being kept in an impeccable manner, with all appropriate equipment and bedding sanitized and hygienic.
h) Deliver 1:1 rehabilitation to transition group long term injured players and first team squad members

Injury prevention / Pre-habilitation

a) Support / participate in medical screening protocol to help build athletic profiles of all Senior Cardiff Rugby players.
b) Lead prehab / injury prevention strategies for transition cohort. Support Senior physiotherapists to Drive the delivery of prehab / injury prevention strategies.

Key responsibilities:

The post holder will:
• Assist in developing the physiotherapy service delivery for the Senior squad and transition group through the programming and delivery of leading-edge therapy services appropriate to the training objectives of the players and coaches
• Ensure that the delivery of the physiotherapy service effectively meets its commitments to Cardiff Rugby players within the senior squad and senior transition group.
• Support in the data collection and tracking of the injury surveillance. Support senior physiotherapist in formulating the mid-season and end of season injury reports.
• Within the rules of professional confidentiality liaise with players, rugby managers, parents, coaches and other support staff as appropriate
• To contribute to the continued evolution, development, and promotion of a ‘high performance culture’ at Cardiff Rugby

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential
• A qualification at degree level (or equivalent) in Physiotherapy
• Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Desirable
• At least 3 years full time experience in a sporting environment
• Fulfillment of the WRU / RFU ICIS Trauma management course desirable

EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate physiotherapy programs for individual players.
• Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas and putting them into practice, including working in an applied and integrated manner.
• Experience of managing and supervising staff and contribution towards their ongoing development.

KNOWLEDGE

• An understanding of the needs of professional players and coaches in a high performance environment
• A thorough understanding of the various sports science and medicine disciplines
• Knowledge of physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques related to recent advances in musculoskeletal medicine in the sporting environment.
• An understanding of and commitment to fair play and all national anti-doping policies as enforced by national governing bodies, international federations and other relevant organisations

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to implement innovative ideas and influence player and coach support programs
• Ability to modify programs according to the results of clinical assessment and data, in conjunction with coaches and other support staff
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to balance conflicting demands and tight deadlines
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to communicate fluently, in English
• Excellent presentation and communication skills that can motivate behavioral change to have a positive impact on performance

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• A positive attitude to Information Technology in carrying out the responsibilities of the post
• Personal commitment to continuous personal professional development
• Ability to work effectively both alone or as part of a team
• Open minded with a view to adopting new practices
• Highly motivated with a passion for high performance sport
• Personal integrity and the ability to invoke trust and respect from others

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities in employment and sport
• An understanding of individual responsibility in complying with the Health and Safety policies and arrangements of the club
• Ability to work irregular and unsocial hours as required involving work outside normal office hours, at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays
• Ability to travel, including occasional overnight stays
• Ability to travel abroad with teams if and when required
• An understanding of and commitment to fair play and all national and international anti-doping policies as enforced by national governing bodies, international federations and other relevant organisations

Position Details - Location and Hours;

a) The position will be based at Cardiff Arms Park, however the nature of the position can require travel as and when dictated by the needs of the Cardiff Rugby organisation.

b) The training schedule demands and promotes flexibility, but it is expected that this position will be active between approximately 7am until 5pm daily. The nature of the position also requires that timings of work can fluctuate.
How to apply: Please email CV and cover letter FAO Daniel Jones - Head of Medical Services at Cardiff Rugby to; jobs@cardiffrugby.wales