What you'll investigate

Complete an industry-embedded PhD with Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Rugby Australia, investigating the physical demands of elite rugby union.

Based alongside the ACT Brumbies in Canberra and contributing directly to their sport science department, the project will use player-tracking, match-event and video data to quantify running, collision, training, and competition demands across elite and pathway rugby.

Findings will directly inform how Australian players are prepared to perform at the highest levels.

The successful candidate will be embedded within Rugby Australia’s research and innovation programme, working alongside world-leading sport scientists, performance staff and medical practitioners, while developing advanced skills in athlete monitoring, data analysis, statistical modelling and research translation. This PhD offers a rare opportunity to conduct high-impact research that directly shapes athlete preparation, performance and player health within Australian high-performance rugby.

Scholarship package

The successful applicant will be awarded a scholarship package consisting of:

* International candidates only

Your research community

Principal supervisor

Associate Professor Jonathon Weakley

Associate Professor Jonathon Weakley is an expert in sport science, strength and conditioning, and team sports. He is currently the Head of Research and Innovation at Rugby Australia.

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Faculty 

Faculty of Health Sciences

Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences is driven by a commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing evidence-based practice across diverse communities. With a strong interdisciplinary focus, our researchers collaborate across nursing, allied health, public health, and biomedical sciences to address pressing health challenges locally and globally.

Visit the faculty research website  

How to apply

Applications close: Wednesday 18 November 2026, 11:59 pm AEDT

Step 1: Assess your eligibility

Eligibility

Before you apply, confirm you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• This opportunity is open to domestic and international applicants.
• The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ACU can be found in the Higher Degree Research Policy.
• The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Requirements

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicants should have:

• experience working in sport
• experience contributing to research
• experience working with technology (e.g., GPS, force plates) that is commonly used in sport.

Conditions

By applying, you acknowledge and accept the following conditions:

• The scholarship package is subject to satisfactory progress and full-time study mode.
• The scholarship conditions align with the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.
• The successful applicant will be required to assign their intellectual property (IP) to ACU as a condition of enrolment.

Step 2: Express your interest

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Associate Professor Jonathon Weakley prior to applying for the PhD program and scholarship, to express their interest and discuss the project in detail.

Email: [email protected]

Step 3: Submit your application

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at ACU, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus:

• A CV outlining relevant academic and practical experience; and
• A cover letter detailing demonstrated interest and/or experience in the program of research described.

When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project: "Optimising ACL reconstruction rehabilitation".