RUGBY | PHYSIOTHERAPY & EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
QSMC provides rugby physiotherapy and exercise physiology services from two Brisbane clinics – Bowen Hills and Woolloongabba. Our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists have professional experience with the Wallabies, Queensland Reds, Brisbane Broncos, and Queensland State of Origin, and treat rugby players from junior community level through to elite competition
Trusted Support for Rugby Players at Every Level
Whether you’re managing an injury, returning to play, or looking to improve performance, our team provides individualised, evidence-based care tailored to the demands of rugby.
We work with athletes across all levels, from junior and community players through to those competing at an elite level.
How We Support Rugby Players
Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation
We assess and manage a wide range of rugby-related injuries, including:
- Knee injuries (e.g. ALC, MCL)
- Shoulder injuries (e.g. instability, dislocations and tears)
- Soft tissue injuries (e.g. hamstring and calf strains)
- Foot and ankle (sprains, dislocations)
- Concussion and return-to-play support
Return to Play Planning
Returning to rugby requires more than just being pain free.
We guide you through a structured process that may include:
- Strength and conditioning benchmarks
- Functional Sport-specific testing
- Load management and progression planning.
- Mental readiness
Performance and Injury Prevention
If you’re not injured but want to improve your performance or reduce injury risk, we can help with:
- Movement and biomechanics assessment
- Strength and conditioning programs
- Load management strategies
- Pre-season screening
Common Rugby Injuries We Manage
- ACL and knee injuries
- Shoulder instability and dislocations
- Hamstring and calf strains
- Ankle sprains
- Concussion and return-to-play support
Why Choose QSMC?
Our approach focuses on delivering structured, evidence-based care tailored to the demands of rugby.
- Experience working with rugby athletes across a range of competition levels
- Collaborative multidisciplinary care across physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other allied health
- Individualised management plans based on current clinical evidence
- Access to gym-based rehabilitation and performance facilities
- Serving rugby players across Brisbane and South East Queensland, from junior club level through to elite competition.
Book with our Brisbane-based Rugby clinicians
Take the next step toward returning to rugby with the support of clinicians experienced in managing rugby-related injuries and performance demands.
Physiotherapists
Senior Physiotherapist
Rob Godbolt is a highly experienced Senior Physiotherapist at QSMC with a distinguished career in elite high-performance sport. With a 16-year tenure at the Brisbane Broncos (including nine seasons as Principal Physiotherapist) and roles with the Queensland State of Origin team and Reds Rugby College, Rob brings an elite standard of care to rugby players of all levels. His practice focuses on comprehensive musculoskeletal rehabilitation and post-surgical recovery, with a particular clinical interest in complex injuries of the hip, groin, knee, and spine. Having collaborated directly with leading surgeons, Rob applies high-level clinical reasoning to bridge the gap between operative procedures and a functional return to the field, aiming to achieve optimal outcomes for both professional and recreational athletes.
Physiotherapist
.
Kharis Jayawardhana is a dedicated Physiotherapist at QSMC with extensive experience in high-performance sports medicine, most notably as the Head Physiotherapist for the Queensland Reds Super W team. Her professional background includes providing medical coverage for professional and club-level Rugby Union, giving her a firsthand understanding of the sport’s high-impact demands. Clinically, Kharis focuses on comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation and the management of complex ACL injuries, including surgical, conservative, and cross-bracing protocols. With additional expertise in stress fracture management and tendon rehabilitation, Kharis integrates biomechanical analysis with clinical services to support rugby athletes of all levels in their return to peak physical function.
Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist
David Bick is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist at QSMC with an illustrious career in international rugby. His extensive experience includes tenures as the Physiotherapist for the Wallabies (Australian Rugby Union) through to the 2007 World Cup, as well as work with the Waratahs and Fiji Rugby. Since 2013, David has supported the St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace First XV, showcasing his commitment to long-term athletic development at both schoolboy and professional levels. Clinically, David is widely recognised for his work in lower limb tendinopathy and running assessment, regularly providing postgraduate education to clinicians domestically and internationally. He applies a wealth of knowledge from his work with Olympic and World Cup athletes to support players of all levels in managing complex injuries and achieving a safe return to the field.
Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist
Michelle Istria is a highly regarded APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist at QSMC with over 25 years of clinical experience in high-performance environments. Her diverse international background includes serving as a physiotherapist for professional rugby clubs, including the Wigan Warriors (Rugby League) and Sale Sharks (Rugby Union). Michelle possesses a deep clinical focus on complex post-surgical rehabilitation (ACL, shoulder, and hip) and the management of bone stress injuries, making her an asset for rugby athletes navigating high-impact recovery. By blending her expertise in elite sports medicine with her role as a clinical educator for the ACU Master’s program, Michelle aims to empower players with evidence-based rehabilitation that supports a safe and resilient return to the field.
Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist
Michael Dalgleish is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with over 30 years of international experience in elite high-performance support. A cornerstone of Australian sports medicine, Michael’s career includes an 11-year tenure with the Queensland State of Origin team and 10 years with the Brisbane Broncos, alongside supporting six QAS squads including Rugby League. His multidisciplinary expertise extends to his role as a former Lecturer for the Masters in Sports Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. Michael focuses on complex problem-solving for musculoskeletal issues, specifically the spine, hip, shoulder, and lower limb. By bridging the gap between clinical rehabilitation and long-term athletic development, Michael aims to provide rugby players and athletes of all ages with the high-level clinical reasoning required to return to peak performance and maintain an active lifestyle.
Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist
Shane Lemcke is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist and Director at QSMC who brings over 20 years of elite high-performance experience to rugby rehabilitation. While his background includes a 12-year tenure as a lead clinician in the AFL and supporting Olympic Track and Field athletes, Shane’s expertise is highly specialised in the “power-base” injuries most common in rugby. He focuses on the management of complex groin, hamstring, and calf injuries, as well as Achilles and patellar tendinopathy—critical areas for players requiring explosive speed and change-of-direction. By applying the rigorous diagnostic standards of professional football and the AIS, Shane aims to provide rugby players with a “pro-athlete” standard of care, ensuring a resilient return to the high-impact demands of the field.
Exercise Physiologists
Senior Exercise Physiologist
Adam Garred is an experienced Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Director at QSMC with extensive experience in rugby performance and rehabilitation. Having served as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at UQ Rugby, Adam possesses a deep understanding of the sport’s physical demands, blending high-level athletic preparation with clinical evidence. His practice has a clinical focus on complex musculoskeletal rehabilitation—particularly shoulder, hip, and knee injuries—and the management of bone stress. By integrating clinical knowledge with strength and conditioning principles, Adam works to support rugby players of all levels in their transition from injury back to match-day performance.
Exercise Physiologist
Monique Taylor is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a strong professional foundation in high-pressure rugby environments. Having served as a Sports Trainer for Souths Rugby Union and Gregory Terrace, Monique possesses practical experience in acute injury management and the physical demands of the game. Her clinical approach focuses on bridging the gap between initial injury and long-term athletic performance, with a specific interest in youth athlete development and strength and conditioning for adolescent players. By integrating her background in elite sports with evidence-based rehabilitation, Monique aims to support rugby players in regaining functional capacity and building the physical resilience required for competitive play.
Exercise Physiologist
Eddie Hess is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at QSMC with extensive experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and post-surgical recovery. He plays a key role in the return-to-performance pipeline, with a clinical focus on lower limb injuries, specifically ACL and knee reconstruction recovery for both adolescent and adult athletes. As a Lecturer at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and an ESSA presenter, Eddie applies an evidence-based approach to bridging the gap between acute injury and functional strength. He is particularly passionate about guiding rugby players through complex post-surgical milestones, aiming to support a seamless transition from clinical treatment back to the high-demand physical requirements of the field.
Exercise Physiologist
Toby Edmanson is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with extensive experience in integrating high-level sports science with musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Through his development of the Athlete Performance Assessment framework and use of VALD technology, Toby provides rugby players with objective data—such as force and symmetry testing—to guide recovery and performance. His clinical practice has a strong focus on lower limb injuries prevalent in rugby, including ACL rehabilitation, patellofemoral pain, and hip and groin concerns. Drawing on his experience with the Brisbane Lions and his role with Sports Medicine Australia, Toby aims to provide rugby athletes with a clear, evidence-based pathway from acute injury back to peak match-day capacity.
Serving rugby players across Brisbane and South East Queensland – book with a clinician who understands your sport.
If you are unsure which clinician is best suited to your needs, our reception team can assist in directing you to the most appropriate practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat both rugby league and rugby union players?
Yes. QSMC’s physiotherapists and exercise physiologists treat players from both rugby league and rugby union, from junior club level through to elite competition, at our Brisbane clinics in Bowen Hills and Woolloongabba.
What is the difference between seeing a physiotherapist and an exercise physiologist for a rugby injury?
A physiotherapist typically assesses and manages the injury itself, diagnosing the problem, reducing pain, and guiding early recovery. An exercise physiologist focuses on the rehabilitation and performance side. Rebuilding strength, movement capacity, and sport-specific fitness. For many rugby injuries, particularly ACL reconstructions and complex soft tissue injuries, both work together as part of the same recovery plan.
Do I need a referral to see a rugby physiotherapist or exercise physiologist at QSMC?
No referral is required to book an appointment with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist at our Brisbane clinics. You can book directly online or contact our reception team on 07 3891 2000.
Visit QSMC in Brisbane
QSMC has two Brisbane clinics offering rugby physiotherapy and exercise physiology services – Bowen Hills and Woolloongabba.
Bowen Hills Clinic
Bowen Hills Medical Specialist Centre
Suite 2/16 Thompson St, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
Woolloongabba Clinic
The Gabba, Hyundai Centre
Gate 2, 812 Stanley St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102.
When Can I Return to Sports After an ACL Injury?
Sit down with one of our Physiotherapist’s, our very own, Rob Godbolt. He has an extensive understanding and experience providing expert pre and post-operative treatment for ACL injuries. His knowledge of return to sport protocols and programs is second to none having worked with many elite sporting teams such as being the State of Origin Queensland Maroons Physiotherapist for many years. We chatted with him and picked his brain about all things ACL.