Manawatū Turbos Physiotherapist (Contract)
Join a proud provincial union committed to integrity, connection, and determination as we continue to grow the game across the Manawatū.
About Us
Manawatū Rugby exists to govern, lead, and support the game of rugby throughout our region.
our vision is simple: bringing our community together through rugby.
Our strategic priorities:
COMMUNITY - Inspiring and enabling our people to lead and belong Enabling our people to lead, inspire and belong at all levels of rugby
COMMERCIAL - Building strong, trusted partnerships Establishing and nurturing trusting, mutually beneficial partnerships
PERFORMANCE - Sustaining success on and off the field Sustained performance on and off the field that achieves success
ADVOCACY - Promoting rugby with pride for our future Through our legacy we promote rugby in the Manawatū with pride for our future.
Our values drive everything we do O MATOU UARA - Our Values:
MAHIA TE MEA TIKA - “DOING WHAT’S RIGHT RATHER THAN WHAT’S EASY” Integrity and Trust underpin our values system. Forged from more than a century of Manawatū Rugby leaders and communities before us Integrity and Trust will continue to drive our union’s resilience beyond the many challenges facing provincial rugby in Aotearoa.
O MĀTOU HONONGA – “OUR CONNECTIONS” Our union’s strength is seen in our connections across community. At all levels from our grass roots volunteers, players across all grades, all support and technical staff to the unwavering support of our partners. Whanaungatanga describes the relationships born from our connections.
KIA MĀIA, KIA MANAWANUI – “BELIEF AND DETERMINATION” Belief and determination are the laces that tie together the Integrity, the Trust and the connections of the Manawatū Rugby Union.
POSITION PURPOSE:
To provide a consistent, high‑quality physiotherapy service to all Manawatū Turbos athletes. Working collaboratively with coaches, trainers, and performance staff, the role contributes to player resilience, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return‑to‑play processes in accordance with NZ Rugby medical guidelines and the values and culture of Manawatū Rugby.
Success in this role looks like:
Reduced time‑loss injuries, high player availability throughout the Turbos campaign, trusted relationships with Manawatū Rugby and NZ Rugby medical staff, and consistently accurate and timely medical reporting.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
· Deliver comprehensive physiotherapy services to all Manawatū Turbos players throughout preseason and competition.
· Work in collaboration with the Head of Strength & Conditioning and Team Doctor to ensure a coordinated, planned approach to injury management, screening, rehabilitation, and return‑to‑play.
· Provide physiotherapy coverage for training, match days, travel, and camps as required during the Turbos campaign.
· Support physical resilience through effective load management, injury prevention strategies, and recovery planning.
· Maintain accurate, detailed medical records, including timely updates to MedTech, NZRU Rugby Med, and/or Smartabase systems.
· Coordinate and participate in regular medical and case review meetings with coaching and performance staff.
· Liaise with external physiotherapists and medical providers regarding injured players to ensure consistency with agreed rehabilitation programmes.
· Maintain professional relationships with NZ Rugby, Super Rugby, and other provincial medical teams.
· Ensure all practices and behaviours align with ethical, legal, and professional standards and protect the reputation of Manawatū Rugby.
· Comply with all health and safety requirements and actively contribute to a safe working environment.
· Undertake additional physiotherapy‑related duties as reasonably required by Manawatū Rugby from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Relevant tertiary qualification in Physiotherapy
· Experience in a professional or high‑performance sporting environment preferred
· Post‑graduate qualifications desirable
· ICIR Level 2 qualification (or ability to obtain)
COMPETENCIES OF THE POSITION HOLDER:
TEAMWORK
· Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary performance team
· Willingness to share information and support colleagues
· Builds and maintains strong professional relationships
WORK ORGANISATION
· Strong organisational and time‑management skills
· Ability to manage competing priorities in a high‑pressure environment
· Capable of meeting deadlines during peak performance periods
PEOPLE SKILLS
· Ability to build rapport with athletes from diverse backgrounds
· Confident working with coaches, medical staff, and performance professionals
· Approachable and professional interpersonal style
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
· Clear, concise written and verbal communication
· Ability to communicate clinical information effectively to players and staff
· High standard of written documentation and reporting
OTHER SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
· Alignment with MRU values of integrity, work ethic, enjoyment, and resilience
· Positive, solutions‑focused attitude
· Sense of humour
· Flexible and adaptable, including willingness to work outside standard hours
· Strong commitment to confidentiality and professional standards