How did you get into sport?

Cameron Dyer - Head Physiotherapist, NSW Waratahs, Super Rugby


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Cameron Dyer is an Australian Physiotherapist who in is his young career has already established a resume that most long tenure clinicians would desire, working with such clubs as the Newcastle Knights (NRL), Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (NRL), Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs. Having worked in both club Rugby and the national program, Cameron also provides a unique insight of the integration between club and country including communication, monitoring and management of injured players. Enjoy this in depth conversation with a progressive and thoughtful clinician who has been able to progress through the hierarchical ladder of sport to currently leading a physio department of one of Australia’s biggest rugby clubs and doing so all before the age of 35. 


Highlights from the episode…

  • Cameron grew an interest in physio while playing footy and being treated by world renowned sports performance practitioner, Phil Coles.
  •  How he secured his first role with a professional club while still at uni and the unconventional tactics they used in their interview process. 
  • Cameron embarked on a 5 week tour of USA exploring the ins/outs of sports injury management. He shares how he was able to set up opportunities to meet with well known practitioners in the industry. 
  • “When you’re a young practitioner you don’t have a lot of expertise, but you do have a lot of time. So if you can't offer your expertise than offer your time”. The importance of volunteering.
  • Having worked 3 years in private practice, Cameron started to wonder if all the hard work and sacrifice would ever pay off to one day securing a role in sport. 
  • How Cameron secured his first full time role in professional sport as Rehab Physio for the Manly Sea Eagles (NRL) and what it involved. 
  • Cameron provides a unique insight into the framework Manly use when handling the tension between Physio and S&C coaches when managing injured players. 
  • After 2 years with Manly, Cameron secured a role with Rugby Australia working with one of the worlds most physically demanding sports, Rugby 7s. 
  • Cameron shares a fascinating description of the interview and selection process that led to him successfully securing the Head Physio role for the Tahs. 
  • Cameron reflects on a “tough” first year as Head Physio and shares some cautionary tales, lessons and what he does differently.
  • Going into his 4th season at the club he shares the "3 things" he focuses on to drive a successful program. 
  • Unlike most professional club sports, Rugby Australia and Super Rugby have players that are dual contracted. Cameron shares how this unique arrangement works and how this impacts player injury management. 
  • We discuss player availability, injury management, responsibility and whether the priority lies with club or country and the differences between Football Australia and Rugby Australia. 


People mentioned: 

  • Phil Coles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-coles-8945803a/
  • Matt Toohey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-toohey-3aa8a884/
  • Simon Harries: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-harries-12a19092/


Cameron Dyer contact details:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-dyer-8055217b/

Host: Luis Resa

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How did you get into sport?By Luis Resa