Vavilin's tackle numbers stand out immediately — averaging over ten per match across his Rugby World Cup appearances, with a single-game peak of twelve, he carries a heavy defensive load for Russia at the base of the scrum. His carrying is steady rather than explosive, consistently contributing to the forward effort without dominating with the ball in hand. Together, the numbers paint a picture of a high-minutes, defence-first number eight who earns his place through relentless work rate.
Nikita Vavilin is a professional rugby union number 8 registered with the Russia, the South Africa-based franchise. He forms part of the matchday squad and is tasked with linking the forwards and backs from the base of the scrum.
As a number 8, Nikita features for the Russia across the United Rugby Championship, the Currie Cup and European club competition, with home fixtures played at South Africa in South Africa.
Follow Nikita Vavilin's match appearances, fixtures, results and the latest Russia news on Octafield — South Africa's home of rugby.
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