Simões is a consistent presence at the base of the scrum, combining high-volume carrying with some of the heaviest tackling numbers in the dataset. His defensive output stands out most — nearly nine tackles per match across Rugby World Cup appearances, with a single-game peak of thirteen suggesting he is trusted to lead the defensive effort at eight. With the ball in hand he offers reliable go-forward rather than explosive metres, making him a workhorse rather than a line-breaker.
Rafael Simões is a professional rugby union number 8 registered with the Portugal, 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, Rafael features for the Portugal across the United Rugby Championship, the Currie Cup and European club competition, with home fixtures played at South Africa in South Africa.
Follow Rafael Simões's match appearances, fixtures, results and the latest Portugal news on Octafield — South Africa's home of rugby.
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