Andy Shea is 'delighted' to be joining Super League team Hull FC as head physiotherapist
Andy Shea has joined Super League team Hull FC as head physiotherapist, the club announced on 22 August. He is the first new addition to the club’s performance department following the appointment of John Cartwright as the club’s new head coach for the 2025 season.
He said: I’m delighted to be joining a club with such a great history; I’m aware that this season has been troublesome on the injury front and so my main focus will be helping injured players recover, and then develop the squad robustness through the preseason ready for next season.
‘Along with the current medical staff at the club, I’ll aim to get our best players on the field as much as possible to help the club achieve the success it deserves.'
He added: ‘I’ve gained a huge amount of experience working in elite environments and I’m confident that I can call upon much of what I’ve learned to create a high standard of care and injury management culture at Hull FC.’
Hull FC played Castleford today at home in a rugby league at the MKM Stadium (1 September), losing 20-39.
Cardiff University graduate
Andy will link up with the club officially following the conclusion of the 2024 Betfred Super League season as preparations for the club’s pre-season campaign begin.
His new club were clearly impressed by Andy’s CV, which shows he has racked up more than 23 years’ experience in professional sport. He graduated from Cardiff University, with undergraduate and master’s degrees in physiotherapy and sports physiotherapy.
Andy has worked in a variety of sports, including in both football and rugby union. After more than a decade with Cardiff Rugby in the United Rugby Championship, Andy was appointed by EFL Championship side Cardiff City as academy head of athletic development and medicine in 2013.
In 2017, he worked with players at Premier League club Manchester United, and spent the last seven years in the north east England with Gallagher Premiership team Newcastle Falcons as senior first-team physiotherapist.
I’ve gained a huge amount of experience working in elite environments and I’m confident that I can call upon much of what I’ve learned to create a high standard of care and injury management culture at Hull FC [Andy Shea]
Dragon Rehab: evidence-based treatments
During his time in Newcastle, Andy also set up online physiotherapy service Dragon Rehab, offering elite-level rehab and advice to help high-level athletes beat pain and injury.
On his website, Andy says: 'I've worked as a Specialist Sports Physio for over 20 years, most of that time employed by professional sports teams within the UK. I set up Dragon Rehab with the aim of reaching injured athletes who can benefit from my approach to rehab and recovery using an online service that is highly effective and more affordable than traditional face-to-face physio.
'I've worked with some of the top athletes in the world within their chosen sports and I've learned the do's and don'ts of getting people back to sport safely and quickly. I believe in using the most effective, evidence-based treatments and rehab programmes for my athletes, while valuing the importance of establishing trust and mutual respect through our discussions.
He adds: 'For me, there's nothing more rewarding than helping someone beat their injury troubles and returning to their sport successfully.'
Author: I A McMillan
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