PROFILING EXAMPLE
Grading
An example grading criteria with qualifying statement:
1 – Performs seldom or inappropriately
2 – Performs sometimes, or sometimes inappropriately
3 – Performs often or mainly appropriately
4 – Performs always and appropriately
Definitions
Technical: skill levels, technical ability, set piece and open play.
Tactical: tactical awareness of roles in attack and defence.
Physical: position specific physical attributes and body type.
Mental: behavioural traits relevant to the position.
Individual Profile
E.g. Left lock – this is not exhaustive, but illustrates some of the points that could be used
POSITION POSITIONAL CRITERIA
Technical  Catch with soft hands and
sympathetic when delivering the ball
. requires greater control.
 Drive the front row into engagement
and maintain forward pressure
Tactical  Move to create space, out manoeuvre
Left Lock opponents in the lineout.
 Contribute appropriately to achieve a
wheel when required.
 In attack understand his roles in open
play as a ball carrier, support player
or decoy
 In defence be aware of his role within
the teams defence strategy.(join rucks
/ mauls)
Mental  Relish the mental challenge of being
part of a dominant scrum.
 Be aggressive with use of arms and
hands to claim the ball.
Physical  maintain a powerful driving position
in the scrum.
 explosive jumping ability from a
standing start.
GRADE
AGAINST COMMENT
CRITERIA
2  Often taps uncontrollably putting 9
under pressure. Off the top delivery
3  Very strong in this area, sometimes
loses focus on opposition ball in
their 22m
2  Slow, cumbersome movement
prevents beating his opponent.
 Always does this
4
 High ability to receive and pass in &
out of contact – footwork needs
3 developing to enable him to attack
spaces.
 Stays out of rucks/ mauls far too
often – usually behind 10 / 12
2
4  Excellent contribution to scrum
 Strong upper body enables to
compete in the air, with upper body
4
4  Physically strong in this area – may
move sides to support 3 rather than
1
 Physically strong, not dynamic or
2 agile enough
POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Loosehead  Struggles with catching on 2  Can be one of the best passers
Prop occasion but can pass on the team, but lacks
accurately concentration to do this for a
. full game.
Callum Lipp
TECHNICAL
 Forward pressure is 3  Very strong in this area,
maintained in scrums due to sometimes loses focus
low, strong body position

 Strong tackler 3  Makes every tackle but

 Aware of role and reaction to
each lineout
occasionally his body height
isn’t low enough and relies on
arm strength
4  Quick speed off the line helps
beat opponent.

 Wheeling in scrums is 2  Must understand when to

unintentional rather than wheel
tactical
TACTICAL

 In attack understand his 3  Always works hard to be in

roles in open play as a ball the right place but can be
carrier, support player or selfish with the ball
decoy

 In defence be aware of his 3  Occasionally will join a ruck

role within the teams that is lost, reducing numbers
defence strategy.(join rucks / in defence
mauls)
 Relish the mental challenge 4  Excellent contribution to
of being part of a dominant scrum
MENTAL

scrum.

 Can lapse in concentration, 2  He relies on his physical

especially when fatigued attributes when tired instead
of making correct decisions
 Maintain a powerful driving 4  Physically strong in this area
PHYSICAL

position in the scrum

throughout.

 A strong and fast runner with 4  Physically strong and dynamic,

agility especially for front row

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Hooker  Predominantly catches well 2  Has a tendency to drop easy
but delivery often too hard. passes but catch difficult one
Josh TECHNICAL  Hooks and drives well, 3  Very strong in this area
Morrison tendency to hook early

 Lineout throw is straight 4  Same as above

and can be varied well

 Lineout throw not always 2  Throws are very accurate but

timed correctly sometimes to early or late.

 Consistently completes for 4  Always does this

other team’s ball in scrums
TACTICAL

 In attack understand his 3  Often effective in attack but

roles in open play as a ball sometimes finds himself in the
carrier, support player or wrong place to be effective
decoy

4  Consistent in understanding
 Aware of his role within the when to ruck and when not to
teams strategy.(join rucks /
mauls)
 Relish the mental challenge 4  Excellent contribution to scrum
of being part of a dominant
MENTAL

scrum.

 Constantly thinking to the 2  Can get confused when too

point of over thinking much information is given to him
aspects of the game to work with
 Stays strong in contact and 4  Physically strong in the upper
PHYSICAL

looks to keep continuity body

 Struggles to be effective for 3  Cardiovascular endurance must

an entire game be improved

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Tighthead  Sure handed for short 2  Catches well but brings the ball
prop passes to chest resulting in no further
TECHNICAL passes

Lucas  Forward pressure is 3  Very strong in this area

Higham maintained in scrums due
to low, strong body
position
 Often shrinks from tackles,
 Tackle technique never 2 cannot reach dynamic position
dominant
 Slow to react from lineouts 2  Struggles to react to lineout
outcomes.

 Not as tactically aware as 1 2  Same as above

in scrums
TACTICAL

 In attack understands his 4  Always finds himself in the

roles in open play as a ball correct place, carries fewer
carrier, support player or times than 1
decoy

 In defence, is aware of his 3  Works in to good positions but

role within the teams struggles to make the tackles
defence strategy.(join rucks
/ mauls)
 Never allows emotion to 4  Consistently solid in
alter his play performance regardless of the
MENTAL

situation

 Has strong resolve and 4  He relies on his physical

motivation to play full attributes when tired instead of
games making correct decisions
 Struggles in open space 1  Lack physical attributes to thrive
PHYSICAL

with agile or quick players

 Paces himself throughout 3  Must improve Cardiovascular

the game to compensate endurance

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Second  Soft hands when catching 2  Catches well but forces
Row however passes lacking in unnecessary passes
power
TECHNICAL
Adam  Forward pressure is 3  Quite strong in this area
McAuley maintained in scrums due to
low, strong body position

 Tackle technique strong 3  Often allows attacker to make

other than in body height
 Reacts from Lineouts well
meters before being low
enough to complete the tackle
3  Knows where to be after
completion of lineout
regardless of outcome

 Quite tactically aware of 3  Same as above

scrum
TACTICAL

 In attack understand his 4  Always finds himself in the

roles in open play as a ball correct place and
carrier, support player or understanding his role and roles
decoy of those around him

 Calls forwards in to 4  Works in to good positions but

defencive positions, struggles to make ever tackle
showing understanding of
his defencive roles and
others’
 Can occasionally become 3  Usually uses emotion to his
over aroused causing advantage
MENTAL

performance drop off

 Enjoys the challenge of 4  His work rate increases in

tough games tougher contests
 Works well in the loose 3  Runs with strength as well as
PHYSICAL

use of footwork to attack space

 Very agile for a second row 4  Footwork and fundamental

movement very strong

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Second  Reliable catching however 2  Catches well predominantly, but
Row passes lacking in power forces unnecessary passes

 Attacks well with good 3  Nimble runner with ability to

Ross fundamental skills of catch catch and pass effectively
TECHNICAL

McAuley and pass

 Scrum technique is strong 2  Developing in this area over

but lacks explosive leg drive time
and reset

 First contact in tackle is a 1  Tackle is also improving,

hand grab resulting in poor however use of shoulder and
technique from this point body height still key work ons
 Recognition of stolen 2  Knows where to be after
lineout lacking completion of lineout when
won by attacking team

 Awareness of scrum tactics 1  Still new to the game and

lacking learning tactical uses
TACTICAL

 Awareness of attack 1  Acts as a stray forward in the

structure lacking, often finds backs when unable to work out
himself playing a back role where to be
in open play attack

 His role in defence is simpler 3  Often around the ruck to stop

and easier to achieve anything near the breakdown
coming through
 Plays with a level head 4  Unphased by challenges and
throughout games plays consistently
MENTAL

 Can shrink away from set 2  Does not work hard when
piece when oppositions struggling at set piece
shows dominance in that
area
 Works well in the loose 3  Runs threateningly as well as
PHYSICAL

use of footwork to attack space

 Very agile for a second row 4  Footwork and fundamental

movement very strong

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Blindside  Good distributer of the ball 3  Sure handed over short to
Flanker when required medium distance

TECHNICAL
Sam Ingrim  Powerful leg drive to assist 3  Physically strong in this area
front row push

 Tackle technique often 4  Makes ever tackle but body

dominant height can creep up
 Reacts from Lineouts well 3  Knows where to be after
completion of lineout
regardless of outcome

 Works harder to push at 2  Often late to detach from

scrum than to be aware of scrum
TACTICAL

next phase

 In attack understand his roles 4  Always finds himself in the

in open play as a ball carrier, correct place
support player or decoy

 Knows to work hard in and 4  An effective defender around

around the breakdown in the breakdown, does not
defence move as wide as he could in
defence
 Plays with a level head 4  Unphased by challenges and
throughout games plays consistently
MENTAL

 Does not raise his game
when under pressure in set
piece
 Strong and tall player
PHYSICAL
2  Can shrink away when set
piece struggle
4  Runs with strength and able to

get arms free for offloads

 Runs well evasively for a back 3  Footwork still could improve,

row fundamental movement quite
strong

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Openside  Catches and passes below 2  Sure handed over short
Flanker average distance but struggles any
further
TECHNICAL
Callum  Strong and stable 3  Good scrum technique although
Clark scrummaging position leg drive not as strong as other
forwards

 Low body position in tackles 2  Tendency to tackle passively

but allows attacker to push resulting in opposition player
forward moving forwards
 Reacts from Lineouts well 3  Knows where to be after
completion of lineout
regardless of outcome

 Struggles to move quickly 4  Often late to detach from scrum

off scrum
TACTICAL

 Can be late reading and 2  Not fast enough to recognize

reacting to decisions in cues from his own team or
attack what the defence shows

 Much the same as in attack, 2  Same as above

slow to react to an attacking
team or positioning himself
effectively in defence
 Can hide when games 1  Struggles to adapt to tough
become tough situations
MENTAL

 Does not raise his game
when under pressure in set
piece
 Not as strong as 6
PHYSICAL
2  Can shrink away when set piece
struggle
2  Smaller build and height for an

average back row at this level

 Technique in scrums helps 3  Often pushed back at break

compensate lacking physical down and scrum when not set
attributes

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Number 8  Ideal distributer of the ball 4  Catches well and can make every
for back row pass
Chris TECHNICAL
Simpson  Powerful leg drive to assist 4  Drives well with good low
second row push at scrum technique

 Tackle technique often 3  Makes ever tackle until he

dominant becomes fatigued
 Reacts from Lineouts 4  Knows where to be after
quickly completion of lineout regardless
of outcome, and pressures
opposition

 Aware of his role in scrum 4  Pressures every opposition scrum

push as well as getting to and resulting phase
TACTICAL

the first breakdown

 In attack understand his 3  Works hard in attack although

roles in open play as a ball can get lost, however works hard
carrier, support player or to compensate
decoy

 Works well in defencive 4  An effective defender around the

structure in a wider area breakdown, and can tackle in
than 6 open space when required
 Plays with a level head 3  Can become undisciplined when
throughout games in a close game
MENTAL

 Loves the challenge of a 3  Looks to lead others when times

physical scrum become tough at set piece
 Strong and tall player 3  Runs with strength and able to
PHYSICAL

get arms free for offloads

 Very agile for back row 4  Fundamental movement strong,

excellent footwork and agility

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA
Scrum Half  Accurate passes to first
receiver from rucks and
scrums
Lewis
Wason
TECHNICAL
 Works well in contact to
recycle ball despite smaller
frame
 Often transfers his weight
backwards when
approaching for a tackle
 Understand when to pass
from lineout and when not
to
 Aware of his role in scrum
as distributer or decoy /
support runner
TACTICAL
 Understands his roles in
attack, can take charge
when there is no 10
 In defence; is aware of his
role within the teams
defence strategy.(join rucks
/ mauls)
 Plays with a level head
throughout games but can
MENTAL
be affected by pressure
 Does not raise his game
when under pressure
 Smaller player
PHYSICAL
 Very agile, shows a good
burst of acceleration and
footwork when entering
contact area
Registered in Scotland No. 132061
GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
3  Passes well as a 9 and can catch
and pass in open play when
required
3  Drives well and low in contact to
offload or present
2  Low tackle but can be pushed
away or allow attacker to gain
ground
4  Shows understanding of lineout
defence
4  Works to support from scrum in
attack or defence
4  Works hard keep continuity in
attack as well as maintaining
rugby speed
4  Knows where to be in defence
and can communicate to
forwards where to be
2  Can struggle to make usual
passes when under pressure
2  Over delegates to 10 when
games become difficult.
2  Works hard to compensate for
lack of physical skills with
technique
3  Fundamental movement strong,
as well as footwork and agility
POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA
Stand Off  Catches with soft hand and
delivers accurate passes
Drew
Cruick-
TECHNICAL
shanks  Works well in contact to
recycle ball despite smaller
frame
 Tackle technique low with
strong arm bind.
 Use of different running
lines evident for
manipulating defence
 Decision making with the
ball usually results in find
players capable of making
TACTICAL
ground
 Understands his roles in
attack, takes charge of the
whole team
 In defence, calls when to
join or leave rucks correctly
to set up defencive
structure or turnover
 Plays with a level head
throughout games
regardless of pressure
MENTAL
 Captains the team well and
shows mental toughness
 Smaller player but has
PHYSICAL
tremendous technique
 Agile and elusive in small
spaces
Registered in Scotland No. 132061
GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
4  Always catches and passes
effectively, although can drop
more difficult passes
3  Drives well and low in contact to
offload or present
4  Often changes attackers
direction due to strong low
tackle
4  Can fix defenders or slide to find
an opening or pass
3  Usually plays what’s in front of
him, can become robotic in
some decisions without thinking
4  Works hard keep continuity and
structure in attack
4  Understands where he needs to
be as well as where teammates
should be
4  Makes correct decisions
throughout games
4  Keeps the team motivated and
provides specific feedback to
teammates throughout
3  Works hard to compensate for
lack of physical skills
4  Fundamental movement strong,
as well as footwork and agility
POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Inside  Catches with soft hand and 3  Occasionally lacking in follow
Centre predominantly delivers through
accurate passes
TECHNICAL
Kiendi
Searle-  Very effective in contact 4  Often creates turnovers at
Mbullu area, particularly defensively tackle area

 Tackle technique low with 3  Low effective tackle but not

strong arm bind. always dominant
 Use of different running lines 4  Can fix defenders or slide to
evident for manipulating find an opening off the ball
defence

 Decision making with the ball 3  Usually plays what’s in front of

usually results in finding him, can become unsure of
players capable of making himself
TACTICAL

ground

 Understands his roles in 4  Works hard keep continuity

attack, takes charge of the and structure in attack
whole team

 In defence, calls when to join 3  Understands where he needs

or leave rucks correctly to set to be as well as where
up defencive structure or teammates should be
turnover
 Plays with a level head 3  Makes good decisions
throughout games regardless throughout games until
of pressure fatigue sets in
MENTAL

 Shows mental toughness and 4  Keeps the team motivated and

takes charge when 10 not
available
 Smaller player but has
tremendous technique
PHYSICAL
provides specific feedback to
teammates throughout
4  Constantly in low strong body
positions in and around

contact areas

 Agile and elusive in small 3  Fundamental movement

spaces strong, as well as footwork
and agility

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA
Outside  Catches with soft hand and
Centre delivers accurate passes
Max
TECHNICAL
Stewart  Works hard in contact to win
the collision and recycle ball
 Tackle technique low with
strong arm bind.
 Attacks gaps in defencive line
to get behind them
 Understands the importance
of width in attack and
defence
TACTICAL
 Understands his roles in
attack, adds width to the
field
 Very aware of what is
needed at the breakdown
 Loves the challenge of
another strong centre
MENTAL
 Can go quiet late on in games
so struggles to multitask
cognitively when fatigued
 Accelerates quickly with
strong level drive and
PHYSICAL
maintains well at top speed
 Agile and elusive in small and
open spaces
Registered in Scotland No. 132061
GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
4  Always catches and passes
effectively, has accurate
passes over all ranges
4  Evasive and strong in this area
4  Often changes attackers
direction due to strong low
tackle
4  Constantly gets behind the
defence in attack
3  Forces teams to find a way to
beat them as they can’t go
around them
4  Knows he has better success
when running at defences
after a few passes and
executes this well
4  Reacts quickly to breakdown
result in order to attack or
defend accordingly
3  Can get carried away but
channels this emotion well in
to his play
3  Keeps the team motivated and
provides specific feedback to
teammates until fatigue sets
in
4  Strong in this area
4  Fundamental movement
strong, as well as footwork
and mobility
POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Left Wing  Catches with soft hand and 3  Follow through improvement
delivers accurate passes would be beneficial but passes
but without strength are still accurate
Christopher
Spence TECHNICAL  Dominates contact but 2  Evasive running lacking
relies on physical strength occasionally and results in
over footwork forced offloads

 Tackle technique also relies 2  Does not miss a tackle but is

on grabbing and never textbook or dominant
outmuscling opponent.
 Struggles to locate passing 2  Does not look beyond the short
options outside of basic pass despite the best tactical
patterns option being elsewhere on
occasion

 Does not come off the wing 2  Has skills that would be useful
for work, has a tendency to in other areas than the 5m
stay wide no matter the channel
TACTICAL

situation

 Has an understanding of 3  Knows the theory of play but

structure but not displayed does not help in areas where he
in game can

 Understands when to 2  Occasionally will miss a chance

commit to a breakdown or for a turnover
to stay out, tendency to do
the later
 Can drop in performance 2  Often moans and drops
when decisions go against performance when the game is
him not going his way
MENTAL

 Always switched on and 4  Keeps up with play we due to

plays with rugby speed, his knowledge of the game
when the above is not the
case
 Accelerates quickly with 4  Leg drive also evident in
strong leg drive and breakdowns, thanks to low
maintains well at top speed body position
PHYSICAL

 Struggles with change of 2  Runs with pace and strength in

direction particularly at full a straight line but must improve
speed coordination to change
direction more fluently

Registered in Scotland No. 132061

POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA
Right Wing  Struggles to control passes
not completely accurate
Luka  Low centre of gravity when
Morrison TECHNICAL entering contact and works
well on the ground to
present
 Tackle technique is a low
chop tackle that allows for
instant competition at the
tackle area
 Scans well in attack but
does not always pick the
correct option
 Is able to identify where to
be to be most effective in
TACTICAL
attack
 Plays well in the loose
although does not always
understand roles of others
around him
 Too eager to join a lost ruck
in defence
 Can become over aroused
and tries too hard when the
MENTAL
team is struggling
 Loves the challenge of a
strong opposition
 Accelerates quickly with
PHYSICAL
strong leg drive and
maintains well at top speed
 Has excellent agility,
balance and coordination
Registered in Scotland No. 132061
GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
2  Passes have a tendency to be
labored or slow
3  Evasive running and good skills
for offload and presentation
4  Always tackles effectively and
able to return to feet quickly for
a chance to steal possession
3  Aware of where to attack but
can force some passes that are
not the best option available
3  Runs good lines and attacks
gaps in the defence
3  Lacks in depth knowledge of
team structure but plays well as
an individual within it
2  Needs to know when to attack
the ball and when to reset
3
 Can try too hard against strong
opposition, trying to aid the
4 team
4  Powerful and elusive runner
4  Body control and fundamental
movement well above standard
POSITION ASPECT POSITIONAL CRITERIA GRADE COMMENT
AGAINST
CRITERIA
Fullback  Sure handed to catch and 3  Struggles to make accurate
pass passes over wide distant
Brodie
Young  High body height in to 2  Footwork in contact helps to
TECHNICAL
contact in attack results in compensate for poor body
continuity becoming difficult angle

 Tackle technique is a low 3  A sure tackler that makes

strong tackle with good leg every tackle, can take
drive although slightly significant time before
delayed opposition reaches the ground
 Aware of where to counter 3  Does not look to pass in this
attack, due to space or gaps situation as often as required
in line chase

 Never engages in kicking 2  This can sometimes be the

battles, always runs back wrong option
kicks
TACTICAL

 Links well with others in 3  Can communicate well in

open play and an effective terms of tactical information
communicator of where to of both teams, needs to do
attack and defend this more often

 Constantly tracks ball in 4  Always well positioned, knows

defence to cover any break where others need to be but
through does not always communicate
this
 Mentally tough and level 4  Decisions made throughout
headed the game never change no
matter fatigue
MENTAL

 Constantly cool under 4  Always strong in this area

pressure either playing or in
time off

 Accelerates quickly with 4  Strong player coupled with

PHYSICAL

strong leg drive and excellent fundamental

maintains well at top speed movement

 Is effective for full games at a 4  Tremendous endurance

high level

Registered in Scotland No. 132061