ABSTRACT
Improvements in the defensive technique and tactical awareness of rugby union (rugby) players over the past eight years have made it increasingly difficult for the offence to penetrate the defensive line. For example, International Rugby Board statistics show that 50 per cent of all tries scored in international rugby in recent years have three or less passes preceding them (International Rugby Board, 2003). This figure suggests that the effectiveness of each ball carry has a considerable impact on try scoring ability. Not surprisingly evasion training has become increasingly important for modern rugby players, with many highperformance teams focusing much of their offensive training on this aspect of the game. However, there is a surprising lack of literature on the specific evasive techniques adopted by international-level players.
