Villa hire Ulster’s O’Neill as new Loans Physio

Aston Villa have hired Gareth O’Neill from Ulster Rugby to become their new Loans Physio.

O’Neill has extensive experience in rugby union, having been a Senior Physio for Wasps, Cornish Pirates and the Dragons, as well as for Ulster, where he was also Rehab Lead.

Loans Physios are becoming more common in elite football as clubs build their support around on-loan players. Villa advertised the role before Christmas and the job purpose was to “lead, co-ordinate, deliver and evaluate player-centred rehabilitation and performance development to our on loan First Team and Academy players.”

Writing on LinkedIn, O’Neill said his time at Ulster had been “a boyhood dream fulfilled.”

He added: “This role has meant so much to me on so many levels. I can’t speak highly enough of the people behind the scenes at this club and how they look after each other, professionally & personally. I’m incredibly grateful.

“Ran onto the field in ’99 with my Dad after we beat Stade Francais in the semi-final. Walk off it with a full heart, knowing it’s only a matter of time before more kids storm it again after big European victories.”