Top Tips on Choosing a Practitioner
Whether you’re looking for a rugby coach, physio, S&C coach, nutritionist, women’s health specialist, or sports psychologist, finding the right practitioner can make a real difference.
Our ‘Find an Expert' directory brings together a range of practitioners across women’s rugby and beyond and is a good place to start when looking for support on your rugby journey. We haven’t worked personally with everyone listed, but we want to make sure you feel confident choosing someone who’s right for you.
Here are a few things to think about when making that decision.
Start with How You Want to Work
One of the first things to consider is whether you’d prefer to work with someone in person or online.
Online support can be a great option for things like nutrition or sports psychology. It gives you flexibility, saves time, and opens up your options beyond your local area.
On the other hand, some services, like physiotherapy, may be more effective in person.
Think About Location
If you do need to see someone in person, location can be a big factor. Ask yourself:
Is this somewhere I can realistically travel to regularly?
Do I need someone close by for convenience?
Am I willing to travel further for the right fit?
How often you are planning to see your practitioner will play into this and will help you decide how important location is in your decision.
Generalist or Specialist?
Some practitioners offer broad, all-round support, whilst others specialise in very specific areas. Neither is better or worse, it just depends on what you need.
For example, if you’re dealing with a complex or more unusual injury, it may be worth seeking out a specialist with deeper expertise in that area, whereas for more common injuries, a more generalised practitioner may be exactly what you need.
Look for Relevant Experience
Experience matters, but the right kind of experience matters even more!
It’s worth finding out if your practitioner has worked with people similar to you before. For example:
Have they worked with female athletes?
Do they have experience with the specific demands of rugby?
Have they supported players at your level (eg. beginner, grassroots, or elite)?
Do they have experience working with your age group?
They don’t necessarily need to have experience in every area, however some cross over is important to look for. A practitioner who regularly works with people like you will better understand your challenges, your goals, and how to support you effectively.
Be Clear on Cost
Pricing can vary a lot depending on the practitioner, the service they offer, their experience, and where they’re based.
Before committing:
Compare prices across a few options
Ask for pricing transparency upfront
Check what’s included in the cost
Cost will be of varying importance depending on your budget and need - but try to find something that feels fair and sustainable for you.
Check Qualifications and Credentials
It’s worth taking the time to look into a practitioner’s qualifications.
Depending on the field, this might include:
Formal certifications
Professional registrations
Relevant insurance
Particularly when it comes to your health, it’s important to make sure you’re in capable hands and feel safe and supported.
Do some Research
Reviews and testimonials can give you a useful insight into what it’s actually like to work with someone. You can also ask teammates, coaches, and friends if they’ve worked with any practitioners they trust. First-hand experience is one of the most valuable recommendations you can get.
Trust the Feel
Different practitioners will have different ways of working and some will suit you better than others.
Ask yourself:
Do I feel comfortable with them?
Do they listen and understand my needs?
Do I feel confident in their approach?
That sense of trust and connection can be just as important as qualifications.
Give the relationship time to develop, but also check in with yourself regularly. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to reassess and try a different approach.
IN Summary
Finding the right support isn’t always about choosing the “best” practitioner, it’s about choosing the right one for you.
Take your time, ask questions, and trust your judgement to make sure you’re finding the right fit.
