Queensland Reds Head of Athletic Performance

Purpose

To lead and integrate the Athletic Performance, Medical, and Sports Science functions to optimise player availability, physical performance, and return-to-performance outcomes for all Queensland Reds contracted players in preparation for Super Rugby Pacific and associated programs.

This role is accountable for delivering a high-performance system aligned to the Reds game model, ensuring players are physically prepared, robust, and consistently available for selection.

Key Accountabilities

Program Planning & Performance Delivery

  • In collaboration with the Queensland Reds Head Coach and Team Manager design and implement a periodised athletic performance program aligned to the Queensland Reds game model.
  • Work with all departments to maximise player availability and performance through the targeted development of physical qualities.
  • Ensure alignment between training, recovery, and competition demands across the season.

Performance & Medical System Leadership

  • Lead all elements of physical preparation including strength, power, fitness, speed, agility and resilience.
  • Lead the integration and operational management of the medical function, ensuring alignment across medical, athletic performance, sports science, coaching, management and players.
  • Ensure the medical and performance system operates as an integrated unit, delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes that maximise player availability.
  • Establish and drive clear communication frameworks across all stakeholders (internal and external) to support:
    • Informed decision making
    • Timely information flow
    • Aligned player management both within Reds and National environments
  • Define and allocate roles and responsibilities across medical, athletic performance and sports science staff, ensuring:
    • Clear accountability
    • Efficient delivery
    • High-performance standards
  • Be accountable for decisions impacting player availability, ensuring alignment with both Reds and national program priorities.

Game Day Preparations

Oversee the following:

  • Implement game day warmups in conjunction with the coaching staff
  • Delivery of game day nutrition program
  • Design & implementation of game/post day recovery units
  • Attend all Super Rugby games (as required)
  • Travel with the squad to away games (as required)

Testing & Assessment

  • Oversee all internal Reds testing and assessments aligned with Rugby Australia’s National Testing & Screening Framework.

Sports Science Coordination

  • Lead the strategy for monitoring of all training loads including accurate collection of records and reporting for all players
  • This includes at a minimum GPS and Strength Science.

Nutrition & Dietetics

  • Ensure nutrition and dietetic assistance support high performance outcomes.

Expectations
  • To be prepared to work outside of normal working hours
  • Support broader Queensland Reds high-performance programs as required.
  • Attend all team functions (as required)
  • Lead by the Queensland Reds core values (CCC)

Please apply by emailing your cover letter and CV to sienna.antico@rugby.com.au by Thursday 28 May 2026.