Hamish Macauley - Lead Physiotherapist, Ireland Men's National Rugby Team.

Send us Fan MailHamish is an Australian Sports Physiotherapist who has worked at the pinnacle of rugby across the globe. Over the course of his career, he has held Head Physiotherapist roles with the ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby), the Australian National Rugby Team (Wallabies) and currently serves as Lead Physiotherapist for the world number three-ranked Ireland Men’s Rugby Team. Beyond rugby, Hamish also spent three years in the AFL as Head Physiotherapist for the Geelong Football Club. In this conversation, we explore the differences and similarities between club and international rugby, including how injuries are managed, the systems used to collaborate with coaches, medical staff, and performance teams, and the logistical demands that come with operating in both environments. From humble beginnings working in a private clinic in country Australia, his first opportunity in professional sport came through a referral from a local farmer in his community, a moment that would ultimately launch a career spanning countries, sports, and working with the elite of world sport. Highlights from the episode…On the back of the 6 Nations, Hamish provides an insight into the prestige of the competition and Ireland winning the “Tripple Crown”. Why Hamish chose to go down the pathway of sports physio after initially commencing a Bachelor of Education.How Hamish got his introduction in pro sport with the ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby) through the help of a local farmer.We discuss Hamish’s opportunities in sport and the unspoken factors that lead to securing roles beyond just focusing on building your technical competency.The unique structure of Rugby Australia had in place for club physiotherapist  and national team physiotherapist to improve collaboration and continuity of systems, clinical practice and athlete care. The differences in working as a club physiotherapist and a national team physiotherapist regarding schedules, roles, responsibilities, challenges, etc.The challenges of managing players who may have conflicting demands between club and national team.Hamish shares the incredible systems that exist in Irish Rugby that have improved collaboration and collective decision making between club and country.Why he was let go from the Wallabies and how it felt the following 2.5 year not working directly in sport.How Hamish secured a role in a new sport with one of the most successful clubs in AFL history, Geelong Cats.The scale, resources and staff set up in the AFL in comparison to international Rugby.With the long hours, travel, pressure and relentless push to be better day in day out, over many years…Did you ever experience burnout?How Hamish was able to secure a one of the most prestigious roles in international Rugby and his move from Australia to Europe to join Ireland Rugby. People mentioned:Byron Field: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4z8bihACHtSMwpC844wCkQTim McGrath: https://open.spotify.com/episode/73xkOCQlyT1RJ0u9s3ybdEMark Young: https://open.spotify.com/episode/17aAXmr5EdiTtxfqs1D1ZnHamish McCauley contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-macauley-13944365/Host: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: [email protected] for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.