PhD Studentship: Examining Mental Health and Wellbeing Service Provision for Rugby Players Experiencing Catastrophic Injury

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) in rugby are rare, however the consequences are far-reaching: sustaining a catastrophic injury presents a rapid and life-altering shift in a rugby players’ personal and social identity and their day-to-day reality. Negotiating these transitions and changes poses significant challenges to mental health and wellbeing.

A recent report commissioned by the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) identified that IPF clients are at a greater risk of experiencing poor mental health. However, effective, evidence-based interventions to support mental health and wellbeing of injured rugby players are lacking.

This PhD studentship has been match-funded by the IPF, who provide ongoing support to rugby players who experience catastrophic SCIs or TBIs while playing the game. The IPF have identified a need to better understand the mental health and wellbeing needs and support provision of their client-base, so that they can better tailor their mental wellbeing offers to their clients.

The aim of this unique PhD is to explore mental health and wellbeing service provision for IPF clients, with the objective of co-creating bespoke evidence informed recommendations about mental health service provision, by working collaboratively with the IPF.

The objectives of this PhD are:

• To understand the mental health experiences of IPF clients through secondary analysis of qualitative data.
• To examine existing mental health service provision for individuals experiencing life-altering injury and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• To develop co-produced recommendations for IPF which represent the mental health needs and service requirements of their client-base.

The successful candidate will be based within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and also be a part of the world-leading Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport. 

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Janine Coates

Secondary supervisors: Dr Jamie Barker; Dr Carolyn Plateau; Prof Vicky Tolfrey

Entry requirements

Applicants should have or expect to achieve a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field for the PhD studentship (e.g. Psychology; Sport & Exercise Science; Sport and Exercise Psychology).

A relevant sport-related Master’s degree and/or professional experience or insight relating to mental health service provision and/or disability sport is desirable. An interest in, or experience of rugby is also desirable.

Fees and funding

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

The opportunity is subject to external funding. In the event that the funder withdraws prior to recruitment the studentship would be withdrawn.

How to apply

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/RFU in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

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