The International Rugby Board has underscored its commitment to driving forward global Rugby player welfare best-practice with the appointment of leading sports physician Dr Martin Raftery as its Chief Medical Officer.
Dr Raftery, who has been prominent in IRB policy making in medical and player welfare areas over the last decade, joins from the Australian Rugby Union and succeeds Dr Mick Molloy in the key role.
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Dr Raftery to the International Rugby Board in the critical position of Chief Medical Officer.”
“He joins with a wealth of experience sports medicine and has demonstrated his expert knowledge with the Australian Rugby Union and also as a key contributor to developing IRB medical working parties.”
“Dr Raftery will play a central role in driving forward medical strategies, shaping the collaborative relationship with Unions and protecting the welfare of players at every level of the Game.”
Dr Raftery has established a reputation as one of the world’s leading sports medicine experts. As Chief Medical Officer with the Australian Rugby Union between 2004 and 2011 he delivered major player welfare strategies while also performing the role of Wallabies team physician between 2002 and 2008.
Dr Raftery has provided injury prevention consultancy to a wide range of professional teams across Rugby and Rugby League and musculoskeletal medical consultancy work for a large number of Australia’s top sportsmen and sportswomen.
Working as an ARU representative on IRB Medical working groups, Dr Raftery has also played a prominent role in delivering policies that have benefitted players throughout the world. Outside of the sports industry, Dr Raftery has also provided consultancy services to the Australian National Workers Compensation Insurers, peak industry bodies, various WorkCover Authorities and numerous businesses.
Dr Raftery said: “I am delighted to be taking this opportunity to join an organisation that has a clear vision to drive forward player welfare best-practice for the benefit of the Game at all levels.”
“I am committed to continuing to collaborate with Union Medical Officers to build on the existing strong base of player welfare and medical policies already established throughout the Game.”
“Rugby is entering a new and exciting era of growth around the world and player welfare policy will be central to ensuring that the Game appeals to more men, women and children across every continent.”
In his new role Dr Raftery will look to drive forward the outcomes determined at the 2010 IRB Medical Conference, including the development of match day medical support guidelines and the critical process of concussion guidelines education through irbplayerwelfare.com and rugbyready.com.
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