The Ospreys are pleased to announce the appointment of Brian O'Leary as Regional Physio.
O’Leary has joined the region after spending the last four years working in the NHS, the last of which has been with the Hywel Dda Trust, working in Carmarthen and Llanelli. He also held the post of Physiotherapist at Carmarthen Quins for the 2008/09 season.
Originally from Cork, Brian graduated in psychology at UCC before completing his MSc in physiotherapy at the University of Southampton. He will provide support to the existing medical team at the Ospreys, concentrating specifically in the area of injury prevention, and will work closely with the Ospreys Academy.
Head Physio Chris Towers welcomed Brian to the team, saying:
“I’m delighted to welcome Brian into the sports medicine team at the Ospreys. His appointment highlights the commitment of our Directors to looking after the well-being and welfare of the players by providing top class medical care in every aspect.
“From the perspective of the medical team, we place a particular emphasis on injury prevention here, and with Brian on board to assist myself and Daloni Lucas, he will not only further enhance delivery of service to the senior squad, but will also complement initiatives and services aimed at Academy and age-grade players.”
Brian O’Leary added:
“Having played rugby at age-grade level myself, it’s been my professional aim to work in an elite professional sporting environment. As such, I’m delighted to be joining the Ospreys and I’m really looking forward to being able to help the existing sports medicine team to deliver a first class service to the playing squad. I’ve got a keen interest in sports injury prehab work, so a large part of my work will be focusing on the prevention of injury, while I will also be working closely with the up and coming new wave of talent at the region, which will provide an exciting and challenging environment for me to work in.”
Ospreys Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, said:
“We welcome Brian on board, his appointment means that we are the only Welsh region employing three physiotherapists to work with the squad, which is a clear indication of the importance that the Ospreys place on looking after and developing our players to the highest standard. Research undertaken last season shows that on average, professional rugby teams in the UK are without 23 per cent of their squad through injury at any given time, so the importance of a strong sports medicine team is clear to see.
“Our existing medical team is of an exceptionally high standard, but it is important to ensure that they get all the support they need. With Brian now part of the team, we will be able to devote more time to preventative work, in addition to rehab. The improvements in medical care will clearly benefit not only the Ospreys in the coming season, but Welsh rugby as a whole with so many of our squad involved in the national set-up.”