Overview
Role Summary
Oxford Harlequins RFC is seeking an experienced and motivated Club Physiotherapist to lead clinical provision across the club. The successful candidate will be the senior clinician within a developing Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), responsible for player assessment, injury management and rehabilitation, day-to-day medical team coordination, and clinical governance.
This role would suit a qualified physiotherapist at any stage of their career who is looking to develop their experience. You do not need to be based in Oxford or hold a private clinic locally, we welcome applications from candidates who wish to combine this role with NHS, academic, or other employment, or who are looking to build their sport-specific caseload alongside other commitments.
There is scope in this role to develop into Head of Medical in the future and there is also potential to strengthen the existing links with Oxford Brookes University.
Roles and Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
- Lead the assessment, diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of injuries across the Men's 1st XV, Women's section, and Academy squads.
- Provide pitch-side first aid coverage at home fixtures and, where agreed, selected away fixtures.
- Apply sound clinical reasoning structured around evidence-based practice.
- Make confident return-to-play decisions in collaboration with the coaching team.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date player medical records in accordance with CSP and club standards.
Medical Team Leadership & Coordination
- The club sustains a partnership with Oxford Brookes Physiotherapy students allowing 5 undergrad and postgrad students to gain experience in each half of the season working to provide pitch side first aid following successful completion of PHICIS and helping at weekday clinics.
- An essential part of this role will be supervising the students to allow them to safely gain experience and comply with the CSP PLI scheme. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing their workload and ensuring they are safe to practice.
- Act as the senior clinical point of contact for any other physiotherapists, sports therapists, or medical volunteers working with the club.
- Coordinate the allocation of medical staff across fixtures, training sessions, and squads to ensure appropriate coverage at all times.
- Manage the ordering, stock control, and replenishment of consumables, including tape, bandages, ice packs, and first aid supplies.
- Conduct regular audits of the medical kit bags for all squads, ensuring contents are complete, in date, and fit for purpose.
- Ensure all medical equipment is correctly stored, maintained, and replaced as required.
Coaching & Performance Liaison
- Attend regular meetings with the Directors of Rugby (Men's and Women's) to review squad health, injury status, and training loads.
- Provide clear injury reports and player availability updates to support squad selection and training planning.
- Collaborate with strength and conditioning, nutrition, and other performance staff as the club's MDT develops.
Governance & Compliance
- Maintain confidential medical records in line with GDPR and club data protection obligations.
- Ensure all medical provision complies with RFU regulations and applicable legislation.
- Hold and maintain a valid PHICIS Level 2 qualification (or complete prior to commencing the role).
- Ensure all members of the medical team hold appropriate qualifications and current PHICIS certification before undertaking pitch-side duties.
Requirements
Qualification / Experience
- Degree in Physiotherapy - BSc (Hons) or equivalent; HCPC registered
- PHICIS Level 2 - Must hold, or be willing to complete before commencing
- MSK Clinical Knowledge - Strong understanding of musculoskeletal assessment and sports injury management
- Sports Injury Experience - Demonstrable experience managing sports injuries in a club or performance environment
- Record Keeping - Sound clinical documentation in line with CSP standards
- Communication - Clear and confident communication with coaches, players, and medical colleagues
Desirable
- Previous experience in a rugby union or contact sport environment.
- Postgraduate qualification in sports physiotherapy or equivalent.
- Familiarity with RFU Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols.
- Experience coordinating or leading a medical team in a club setting.
- Experience working within a multi-disciplinary performance team.
Working Pattern & Commitments
This is a part-time, role structured around the club's fixtures and training schedule. Exact commitments will be agreed at appointment, but as a guide:
- Home matchday coverage on Saturdays .
- Regular liaison with the Directors of Rugby, in person or remotely.
- Pre-season squad screening and availability assessment (July/August).
- Ad hoc availability for player rehabilitation review between fixtures.
The club is flexible in how the role is structured and is happy to discuss commitments at interview. Remote liaison for non-clinical coordination tasks is fully supported, meaning a local Oxford base is not required.
Safeguarding
Oxford Harlequins RFC is committed to the safeguarding of all players, particularly children and vulnerable adults. The postholder will be required to:
- Hold a valid Enhanced DBS check, processed through the RFU's eDBS system.
- Comply with the club's Safeguarding Policy and the RFU's Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults in Rugby Union Policy.
- Report any safeguarding concerns to the Club Safeguarding Officer immediately.
Pay: £700.00-£900.00 per month
Work Location: In person
