Women in Rugby Careers: Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists may have a fairly obvious pathway into a career related to rugby, but here is a short run down of the job and the qualifications required.

What does a team physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists provide assessment, prevention and management of sports injury to the team before, after, and during match days. They also aid the wider medical team to manage injuries and general musculoskeletal problems, to keep the players able to function and move at their best.

How do I become a rugby physiotherapist?

The most common pathway is to undertake a university degree in physiotherapy, either full time, part time, or as an accelerated masters degree after you have completed at least 5 GCSEs and 2-3 A levels (or equivalent). Or, you can do a degree apprenticeship and get paid while you study. After gaining a degree you will register with the Health and Care Professions Council and can begin practicing. Then you can start gaining experience in rugby, and work your way up to the national/international teams if desired.

Who do rugby physiotherapists work with?

Team physiotherapists work in a large and varied team of professionals, liaising with the team doctors, paramedics, and coaching staff to name a few.