The IRFU are inviting applications for the role of Head of Psychology.The successful candidate will provide high performance clinical services, education resources, and programming to players, coaches and staff and will contribute to the development of psychology services within the IRFU.The position is being offered on a full-time, 2-3 year fixed term contract basis. However we would be open to alternative options including 2 successful part-time candidates.The closing date for applications is Friday 6th February 2026.POST TITLE: IRFU Head of Psychology (High Performance)The Irish Rugby Football Union is Ireland's leading professional sporting organisation. Our unique strength is our aligned performance system, driven by the collective unity of our five professional environments; 'Our team of teams'. At the heart of our success lies our performance support team united by a shared commitment to excellence; 'We are connected, to deliver and excel'.We are seeking exceptional individuals who are not only technically excellent but who bring energy, humility, and a genuine commitment to collective growth and high performance.We are…Purpose-Driven and HumbleTeam-Oriented and CollaborativeCommunicative and AuthenticAligned and Culture-DrivenGrowth-Minded and ResourcefulWe believe that high performance is not just about what we achieve, but how we achieve it - together. If you're motivated by impact, inspired by collaboration, and driven by purpose, you'll thrive in our team.ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:The IRFU is currently inviting applications for a senior psychologist position. The successful candidate will provide high performance clinical services, education resources, and programming to players, coaches and staff and will contribute to the development of psychology services within the IRFU. The position will build rapport and relationships with players, coaches and other key stakeholders, work within a multidisciplinary team, provide 1-2-1 support to players, service providers and coaches, assess and identify the challenges of players to promote mental health, support players career transitions and refer as appropriate to specialists. The role is expected to help shape the mental health and wellbeing of IRFU high performance players and staff and drive a culture of wellness that delivers a positive performance impact.The position is being offered on a full-time, 2 year fixed term contract and will be based at the IRFU High Performance Centre, Sports Campus Ireland, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.REPORTING RELATIUONSHIPS:Operational: IRFU Medical DirectorFunctional: IRFU Medical DirectorKEY QUALITIESEssential:Applicants are required to hold, and continue to hold for the duration of the post: Professional membership of a recognised professional body, Psychological Society of Ireland or British Psychological Society.Hold a postgraduate professional qualification in Clinical Psychology recognised by PSI or BPS.ORHold a postgraduate professional qualification in Counselling Psychology recognised by PSI or BPS.Demonstrate at least five years satisfactory postgraduate experience in professional psychology in which the position is designated.The five years' experience must comprise of no more than three years full time Post Graduate training and no less than two full years' experience as a Staff Grade Psychologist.Previous experience working in a high performance sport environmentDesirable:Masters or PhD in Sport PsychologyREQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILL:A good understanding of high performance environments and common stressors and mental health difficulties in professional rugby or professional sport.Knowledge of the psychology of injury.Have experience working with high risk concerns (suicidality, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma) and providing risk assessment and crisis intervention.Have a strong ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with players, coaches, service providers and Player Lifestyle staff to ensure a relationship of trust, respect, support and continuous and open communication.Build and maintain a relationship of trust and respect with national teams' medical staff, IRFU Medical Department ensuring continuous and open communication.Ability to adhere to legal, ethical, professional and accreditation standards & requirementsAbility to work independently and collaborativelyCritical thinking and analytical skillsExcellent organizational and record keeping skillsAbility to communicate effectively written and orallyUnderstanding of and ability to maintain appropriate medical confidentialityAbility to utilise evidence-based literature and research to support effective practice.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Service DeliveryDevelop and deliver psychological support to the IRFU high Performance System which includes players, coaches and high-performance support staff.Coordinate and maintain a specialist psychology referral system of outside providers.Provide education, training and intervention to national teams related to mental wellbeing.Collaborate within a MDT to implement wellness and screening processes and procedures.Provide transition support to players entering and exiting the high-performance system.Reporting / DocumentationMaintain up to date clinical notes and documentation in accordance with IRFU and Professional guidelines.Report, as appropriate, to the relevant National team performance support staff on all matters relating to players wellbeing and mental health.Provide information and reports on service delivery as requested to the IRFU Medical DirectorContinuous professional development:Undertake an agreed programme of CPD.Multidisciplinary Team work / Working Relationships:Build and maintain relations with IRFU Medical Department, National Team and Provincial Rugby staff (particularly in the areas of Coaching, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Nutrition and Athletic Performance) to ensure relationships of trust, respect, support and continuous and open communication exist.Horizon scanning and research:Ongoing monitoring of the psychology and Sports Psychology literature for new developments of relevance. Disseminate this information to relevant partiesParticipate in projects and/or applied research across the IRFU as appropriate.PERFOMANCE MEASURES:Key Performance indicators (KPIs) will be agreed annually with the IRFU Medical Director.The successful candidate must be eligible to live and work in Ireland.Salary for this role is depending on experience.Our benefits include:22 days basic annual leave entitlementFamily friendly policiesHealth insurance from 1st dayBirthday leaveEducation assistance ProgrammeIRFU Group Scheme – discounts from brands and retailersWellness initiatives, including self care leaveBike to work schemeRespect Excellence Accountability Integrity