Perplex rugby player, reversion to an older type (9)
I believe the answer is:
throwback
'reversion to an older type' is the definition.
(as in a genetic throwback)
'perplex rugby player' is the wordplay.
'perplex' becomes 'throw' (synonyms).
'rugby player' becomes 'back' (type of rugby player).
'throw'+'back'='THROWBACK'
(Other definitions for throwback that I've seen before include "Instance of reversion to ancestral type" , "Return" , "Atavism" , "reminder of an earlier time" , "someone showing old-fashioned tendencies" .)