Mark	Rugby Union
9-10	Passes accurately using both hands over increasing distances. Is able to pass accurately at full pace. Takes ball across body transferring weight effectively. Will time 2 v 1 pass at pace. Will spin pass static ball off the ground. Passes accurately using both hands over increasing distances. Is able to pass accurately at full pace. Takes ball across body transferring weight effectively. Will time 2 v I pass at pace. Will spin pass static ball off the ground. Performs accurately and maintains body balance on range of kicks; punt, drop and place. Controls an ‘up and under’ Will accurately show a screw kick. Either forward play Specialist in a given position. Outstanding set piece play. Fully able to ruck and maul in open play. Will provide controlled phase possession. Or back play Executes a range of back moves at pace. Is able to side step and to dummy a pass. Will field a high ball and link a counter-attack. Will avoid tackles by a full range of moves, eg dummy, swerve, side-step. Demonstrates excellent tactical awareness and applies the laws correctly and in the context of the game situation. Exerts significant control over the game by taking the best and correct option in given situation. Excellent leadership qualities and decision making as individual and for the team. High level of individual skill maintained under pressure
7-8	Passes accurately at pace from dominant hand and is confident off both hands. Controls timing of passes in set piece moves. Avoids tackles using hand off and side-step off dominant foot. Tackles to a consistently high standard from front, side and rear. Tackles cleanly with dominant shoulder. Produces all types of kick to place opponents under pressure. Kicks for touch with control and gains ground. Either forward play Effective in set piece play and is able to support tucks and mauls in controlled phase possession play. Or back play Will link effectively first to second phase possession integrating basic overlap moves. Will loop and scissor at pace. Demonstrates a very good overview of the game and is able to exert an influence in both attack and defence. Very aware of teamwork and makes few unforced errors. Displays a high level of skill and tactical awareness even under pressure. Shows knowledge of set plays and tactical plays eg start line-out, penalty moves. Has ability and knowledge to play in a number of positions, demonstrating a high level of skill and understanding in chosen position.
5-6	Passes on the run from both hands with control at reduced pace. Can pass at speed from dominant hand. Will pass the ball along a back line at pace. Demonstrates swerve and change of pace. Executes all tackles cleanly in a controlled situation using dominant shoulder. Tackles effectively in a controlled drill Produces a variety of kicks with dominant foot in a controlled situation. Can drop kick and place kick with limited effect. Either forward play Takes part in lineout and scrums with an ability to secure possession. Able to tuck and maul in a structured practice. Or back play Shows confidence in passing on the run in non-contact situations. Demonstrates control whilst running with the ball. Will pass the ball to the winger along the line. Shows understanding of attacking and defensive positional play. Reading of the game is more apparent, becoming more vocal and involved in the game. Ability to influence the game evident, with increasing and better decision making under pressure. Basic skills and techniques well established. Shows some anticipation of opposition moves and makes adjustment. Increased involvement for the contact situation in attack and defensive role.
3-4	Can pass with some accuracy with stronger hand when running at three quarter pace in passive and pressure situations. Often fails to select the correct type of pass. Begins to be able to swerve. Will attempt all tackles in a controlled situation. Will not secure possession when tackled. Effectively tackles from rear, but front and side tackles lack commitment and technique. Will aunt and field the ball in controlled practices. Unable to perform a range of kicks with control. Either forward play Will support players in set pieces and open play without controlling possession. Or back play Exhibits some individual skills but does not link effectively with the back unit. Will be prone to handling errors. Becomes more effective in the game, basic skills are more evident, but is unable to use them effectively under pressure in the game situation. Is able to gain ground with the ball, but tends to release the ball too early when challenged by opposition.
1-2	Catches and passes with limited effectiveness. Unable to demonstrate accurate passing in moving situations. Will punt the ball with little control and no accuracy. Either forward play Has limited understanding of the role of forwards in set pieces. Little involvement in open play. Or back play Limited participation in phased play. Will avoid contact situations and not support other players. Effectiveness in game situations is poor. Basic skills are not sufficiently established to produce a performance of any standard. Is unable to read any specific game situation. Can participate in scrum and lineout play, but has very limited skill and technique. Positional play poor.

Advanced Skills developed in structured plays to enable candidates to perform in the context of the assessment.

Passing: grip on ball;
body position;
accuracy of pass;
orthodox;
short and long;
passing at speed;
lob and reverse;
pendulum pass;
diving and spin passes.

Receiving: high balls; balls at speed; ground pick-up.

Tackling: basic technique; low tackle from side, rear, front and smother; hand off.

Kicking: place; punt; drop; screw; grubber.

Beating opponents: side-step;

feint;

swerve;

change of pace and direction; dummy pass; scissors;

switch;

loop

kick ahead.

Team skills

Set scrummaging: binding; position of feet; angle of drive for front row, second row and back row.

Line out play: jumping and catching; binding; throwing in.

Rucking and mauling.

Application of advanced skills in a structured game situation providing the basis for the assessment of the individual candidate.

Pressurised small games eg 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 illustrating spatial awareness; timii₂g — when to run/pass/kick; judgement — where to run, which pass to make; set piece plays; controlled phase possession.

Tactics

Forward play: scrum; line out; rolling maul play.

Three quarter play: handling; kicking; running; tackling.

Role of individual players.

Positional play.

Continuous phase play.

Laws of the game and their application, including refereeing signals.