The IRFU are inviting applications for the role of National Senior Women's XVs Team Physiotherapist .
The successful candidate will be an experienced sports physiotherapist who will work closely with all the high performance medical and science departments of the IRFU and provincial teams to deliver and help develop player injury prevention and rehabilitation practices.
The position is being offered on a full time, fixed term contract of 2-3 years (subject to 6 month probation). The role will be based at our High Performance Centre, Sports Campus Ierland, Snugborough Road, Dublin 15.
The closing date for applications is strictly 5pm Friday 21st November 2025 .
Interviews will be taking place on the week commencing December 1st, 2025
Job Title: National Senior Women's XVs Team Physiotherapist
Department: Medical Department
Reporting:
Functional: IRFU Head of Performance Support
IRFU Medical Director.
Operational: National Team Lead Physiotherapist
National Women's Team Head Coach
Based at: IRFU High Performance Centre, Abbottstown D15.
KEY QUALITIES
Essential:
* BSc in physiotherapy or equivalent
* A post-graduate qualification in sports physiotherapy or musculoskeletal physiotherapy or sports science
* Current CORU registration
* A minimum of five years post graduate experience with elite sports people.
* Sports specific emergency pitch-side training.
* Proven management experience of staff and programmes
* Good organisational skills including record keeping.
* On-going maintenance of CPD as outlined by your regulatory body.
* Excellent communication skills.
* The ability to work well within a multidisciplinary high performance team
Desirable:
* Physiotherapy experience in a professional rugby team environment.
* Full clean drivers licence.
* Excellent IT and organisational skills
JOB OUTLINE
This full-time role will deliver and help develop world leading physiotherapy service to the National Senior Women's 15s Squad, the 7s players as required and other women's players of national interest. On occasion they will provide support to other squads if requested by the Medical Director or Head of Performance Support. The National XVs Team Physiotherapist will be an experienced sports physiotherapist who will work closely with all the high performance medical and science departments of the IRFU and provincial teams to deliver and help develop player injury prevention and rehabilitation practices. The role will also encompass supporting the IRFU women's sevens program as part of the IRFU high performance system when required.
Purpose of the role:
* To provide physiotherapy support to the National Senior Women's XVs Squad when in camp, competition or at tournaments.
* To proactively facilitate the continuity of physiotherapy/rehabilitation care of players, as part of a multidisciplinary medicine & science team, between national, provincial and club duties. This should be underpinned by establishing relationships of trust, respect, support and continuous, effective and efficient open communication between stakeholders.
* To deliver and help develop a model of world leading service delivery, to include injury prevention and rehabilitation programmes, for the National Senior Women's XVs squad.
* To deliver physiotherapy and rehabilitation services to identified players of national interest and the IRFU Women's sevens programme when required.
* To develop and deliver policies / guidelines related to players welfare as directed by the IRFU Head of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to perform the following duties, the National Women's XVs Team Physiotherapist must build and maintain a strong, effective, efficient and close working relationship with all national squad staff.
National squad:
* Contribute to pre-camp/pre competition planning and preparation.
* Deliver physiotherapy support to players whilst part of the national squad.
* Liaise with Team Doctor, Provincial Physiotherapists, National AP Coach, Team Nutritionist, Head Coach and other practitioner as required.
* Oversee delivery of physiotherapy services to the Women's National XVs squad.
* Monitor, record and report work according to national protocols.
* Contribute to management planning and review meetings, as directed by the National Team doctor, the IRFU Head of Physio & Rehabilitation and/or IRFU Medical director.
National /Provincial/Club interaction:
* During camps and competitions, maintain close interaction and communication with provincial and club medical teams regarding the health status, medical management and service planning for players.
* Outside camps and competitions liaise with provincial and club physiotherapists and medical staff to facilitate alignment of performance priorities for players, agree rehabilitation programmes and preventative strategies.
* Ensure smooth transition of physiotherapy support for players transitioning into National Camp and from National Camp.
* Monitor, record and report all work to appropriate Medical and Athletic Performance staff.
Injury prevention and rehabilitation:
* Perform regular audit of the injury profile of the National Senior Women's XVs Squad.
* Based on this data aid development appropriate injury prevention / rehabilitation programmes in liaison with the IRFU Head of Physio & Rehab, National 7's and Women's Medical Co-ordinator and the AP coaches.
* Deliver and oversee the implementation of these programmes.
* Contribute to research as appropriate to ensure delivery of a world leading physiotherapy service.
Horizon scanning and research:
* Ongoing monitoring of the physiotherapy and Sports Medicine literature for new developments of relevance.
* To disseminate this information to relevant parties
* Participate in ad hoc projects and/or applied research across the IRFU as appropriate.
Continuous professional development:
* Undertake an agreed programme of mentoring and CPD.
* Act as a mentor for specified members of physiotherapy staff.
Provincial, National underage and Women's national team squads:
Build and maintain a strong, effective, efficient and close working relationship with all national women's squad physiotherapy teams.
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 entitlement
* Family friendly policies
* Health insurance from 1st day
* Birthday leave
* Education assistance Programme
* IRFU Group Scheme – discounts from brands and retailers
* Wellness initiatives, including self care leave
* Bike to work scheme
Respect Excellence Accountability Integrity