Lead Academy Physiotherapist

Complementary Training; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in Belfast is seeking a Lead Academy Physiotherapist to provide expert physiotherapy services to Ulster Rugby. The role requires a degree in Physiotherapy and significant experience in elite sports. The successful candidate will work alongside the Lead Physiotherapist and medical staff to deliver best practices in sports medicine. Applications are open until 9:00am on 12th January 2026. This is a fixed-term contract position with equal opportunities for all applicants.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ post graduate experience as a Physiotherapist.
• Minimum of one year of post graduate experience working in elite sport.

Responsibilities

• Provide and administer physiotherapy services to Ulster Rugby Academy.
• Deliver best practice sports medicine services in partnership with the Lead Physiotherapist.
• Work with National & Provincial Talent Squads and National Women’s players.

Skills

Physiotherapy expertise

Experience in elite sports

Ability to work in a team

Education

Degree in Physiotherapy

Registration with Health Professions Council

Job description

• Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

The IRFU & Ulster Rugby are inviting applications for the position of Lead Academy Physiotherapist.

The Lead Academy Physiotherapist will provide and administer physiotherapy services to the Ulster Rugby Academy, National & Provincial Talent Squads, and National Women’s players based in Ulster and to deliver best practice sports medicine services in partnership with the Lead Physiotherapist and Doctor(s).

The successful candidate should have a degree (or equivalent) in Physiotherapy and should be registered with the Health Professions Council. It is essential that they have a minimum of two years’ post graduate experience as a Physiotherapist and a minimum of one year of post graduate experience working in elite sport (Professional Sports Team, Senior Intercounty GAA, Sports Institute etc).

The post is being offered on a fixed term contract. To apply, please download a detailed job description and person specification and complete the online application form. The closing date for completed application forms is no later than 9:00am on Monday 12th January 2026.

Applicants are strongly advised to read the guidance notes at the start of the application form prior to completion. CVs or emails expressing an interest in the position without completing the online application form will be disregarded.

The IRFU and Ulster Rugby are equal opportunities employers and as such welcome applications from all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, family status or sexual orientation.

If your role involves working with children and young people you may be subject to vetting through Access NI/Garda Vetting Bureau. Please note that we are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not preclude applicants with criminal convictions.

For more information please refer to the IRFU Vetting Policy: https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/recruitment/

• Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom