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Lead Academy Doctor
Harlequins
Harlequins is currently ranked among the most famous and prestigious rugby clubs in the world. Recognised for its iconic quartered shirt, the Club is also known for its expansive and exciting style of play as well as consistently producing players for the national side.
Job Posted- 1 Apr 2026
Status- Part Time
Location- England
Closing date- 13 Apr 2026
The Role in brief:
This is an exciting role for an individual to be part of the medical team and contribute to the delivery of a best-in-class medical service that drives outstanding performance. The successful candidate will be responsible for the medical oversight of the Club’s academy (U18 and below) male players. They will liaise closely with the Lead Men’s Doctor and will also provide pitch side cover for the academy fixtures, including friendly matches.
Given the nature of this role and the individuals you will be working with (U18’s), it will be subject to detailed reference checks.
The Details:
• Fixed term contract commencing June 2026.
• Part time/flexible hours to fit around the Academy schedule (2 hours/week during Jan and Feb, 2 hours/month March - June and then 2 hours fortnightly September to December).
• Based at Surrey Sports Park with regular travel.
• Reports to the Lead Men’s Doctor and Head of Academy.
• Key Relationships – Head of Academy, Lead Men’s Doctor, Players, Medical and S&C Leads.
• Will require out of hours and weekend working.
The Key Responsibilities:
• To work as part of a multi-disciplinary medical, coaching and sport-science team in the prevention and management of sports related injury and illness.
• To provide advice to the players, medical team, coaches, sport scientists and international teams of a player’s fitness to attend training and fitness for selection for matches in relation to intercurrent illness or injury.
• To communicate effectively with players and external services (NHS or Private) to help ensure access to prompt and appropriate GP or specialist health care as needed.
• To diagnose and manage illness and injury amongst Men’s Academy squad and to provide an excellent standard of medical care liaising closely with the Academy Physiotherapist.
• To maintain professional standards including meeting with all League minimum operating standards (MOS) as well as the keeping of paper and electronic medical records in accordance with GMC regulations.
• To ensure safe provision of medical services in accordance with best practice and current GMC and CQC requirements.
• To liaise with the welfare group and sport psychologist to help deliver an appropriate level of care for the mental and emotional welfare of academy players.
• To provide pitch side care for home and away games including friendly fixtures.
• To regularly check and maintain appropriate equipment and medicines provided for the Men’s academy team by the Club and meeting League MOS.
• To be familiar with doping control practices and laws and the substances and methods that are prohibited in and out of competition, and to adhere to the rules.
• To refer players to NHS and private specialist services for advice on diagnosis and management of illness or injury as clinically appropriate.
• Delivery of education to staff and players on health-related issues as appropriate (such as concussion recognition and management).
• Maintenance of relevant personal professional development plan and continuing professional development to an appropriate standard (PPDP and CPD); to be reviewed at least annually with the Lead team doctor.
• To be familiar with, and deliver the RFU guidance and regulations in the following regulated/guided areas of medical practice:
• Cardiac Health and Screening
• Concussion Guidelines
• To liaise with the Men’s Academy Physio and Lead team doctor in the undertaking of pre-season assessments and new player medicals on all Men’s academy squad players
• To possess a detailed understanding of and commitment to the highest levels of safeguarding to ensure the best and safest environment for everyone that comes into contact with Quins.
The Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed:
Essential:
• Specialist knowledge in SEM practise at an elite level.
• Knowledge of the therapeutic options available to an SEM practitioner.
• Knowledge of the conditions that commonly affect men’s academy rugby players at different stages of physical and psychological development and training.
• The ability to recognise, diagnose, manage, explain and best prevent MSK conditions.
• A clear understanding of your duty of care to your patients and the ability to understand, consider and appropriately advise on the management of the risks inherent in competitive sport.
• IT competence in Club systems.
• Ability to assess acute on field injuries and to manage appropriately.
• Ability to assess MSK symptoms, elicit signs and take an appropriate history, reach a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan with input from other members of the MDT.
• Knowledge of the appropriate medicines to carry in a doctor’s bag and emergency bag, and of their governance in terms of legislation and regulations.
• Experience of work as matchday medical co-ordinator in sport.
• Ability to deliver clinical assessment and interventions within the constraints of the sporting environment.
• A willingness to improve the service provided within your team.
• Understanding of how to work safely with children and/or adults at risk and uphold the highest level of practice when working with those participants.
• The ability to manage a friendly, cheerful, positive and open demeanour while maintaining a sufficient degree of professional distance.
• Independent practice in SEM environment.
• SEM work in elite sport at either senior or youth level.
• License to practice in the UK as an independent practitioner; (GMC specialist or GP register) with either a diploma or masters in SEM or MFSEM.
• PHCIS Level 3 qualification.
• Clean enhanced DBS check.
• Full Indemnity allowing the candidate to perform their role.
Desirable:
• Generalist knowledge as a GP experienced in family practice.
• Ability to aspirate and inject large joints under ultrasound guidance and the knowledge of when and when not to consider such interventions.
• MSK ultrasound skills for examinations of muscles, tendons and joints.
• Experience of SEM work in elite rugby.
• RFU / World Rugby training modules on concussion management for elite matchday medical staff and concussion protocols for matchday medical staff.
• Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
• PGCert MSK Ultrasound or working towards the qualification.
The person we are looking for:
• Ability to listen to and communicate with others in appropriate language at appropriate times, both verbally and written.
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with a multi-disciplinary team in sport; supported by examples and references.
• Promote, adhere to and implement the Club’s Equality Policy and to work consistently to embed equality and diversity within the Club.
How to Apply
Please click APPLY NOW to send your CV and Cover letter to our team.