This fully funded PhD studentship at Leeds Beckett University's Carnegie School of Sport offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with World Rugby, the global governing body for rugby, in developing and evaluating a Head Impact Reduction Framework. The project aims to drive transformative change in player welfare and performance, with a direct impact on how rugby is coached, played, and understood at the elite level worldwide.

As a PhD student, you will work closely with elite coaches, performance teams, and world-leading experts, contributing to a global commitment to reduce head acceleration events (HAEs) and improve player safety. The research will inform policy and practice, shaping the future of rugby performance and athlete health. The Carnegie School of Sport is renowned for its collaborative research culture, addressing real-world applied problems and generating transdisciplinary knowledge in areas such as head impacts, concussion, talent development, ethical coaching, gender equality, sporting integrity, and obesity.

The project leverages World Rugby's investment in the largest global deployment of instrumented mouthguards (iMGs), enabling accurate measurement of HAEs for elite rugby players. The research will focus on developing targeted interventions to reduce HAEs, particularly for players with the highest exposure, and translating successful strategies into broader coaching and performance practices for both elite and community players.

Key objectives include working with multidisciplinary elite teams to develop and evaluate the efficacy of the Head Impact Reduction Framework, expanding the evaluation to a larger number of teams, and optimizing the framework for real-world adoption. The successful candidate will use both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and will be expected to build strong relationships with key stakeholders throughout the project.

The research team includes representatives from World Rugby, PREM Rugby, University of Cape Town, and Leeds Beckett University, with core supervisors Prof. BJ Jones, Dr Gregory Roe, and Dr A Stodter. Applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisors for proposal discussions.

Funding covers Home (UK) fees and a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per year, paid monthly, plus a laptop. International candidates must pay the international fee top-up. The studentship starts on 1 March 2026, with interviews scheduled for early February 2026. The application deadline is 19 January 2026.

Applicants should have a strong background in coaching and performance science, an interest in processing and analyzing iMG data, and a passion for applied translational research. Both qualitative and quantitative research skills are required, and the ability to engage with stakeholders is essential.

To apply, search for a Postgraduate Research course (Winter 2025/26, Full Time) and select 'World Rugby' as the programme title on the Leeds Beckett University portal. Use Application Reference Number: 2026-March-WR/CSS-PHD. For further information, contact the supervisors or the Research Admissions team.

This studentship is ideal for candidates seeking to make a significant impact on player safety and performance in rugby through innovative, applied research.