Rugby Positions
Rugby Positions – It’s All In The Numbers
You can’t play rugby if you don’t know the different rugby positions. In fact, it helps to know the rugby positions even if you are just watching.
In the game of rugby, there are 15 players from each team on the field at a time. The player’s number tells you what they do on the field. Players wearing numbers 1 through 8 are forwards, and players in numbers 9 through 15 are backs.
All players on a rugby team play both offense and defense, and all players must be able to catch, pass or kick the ball. Rugby players also have to be great runners and be strong enough to tackle opponents and defend teammates.
Player #1 – Loosehead Prop
Stocky and tough. Backs up other players in the scrum and the lineout. Intimidation is one of their most important tools.
Player #2 – Hooker
Big but agile. Hooks the ball in the scrum and gets it to back row teammates. Also throws the ball in the lineout.
Player #3 – Tighthead Prop
See Loosehead Prop.
Players #4 and 5 – Second Row
Almost always the tallest players on the team. Responsible for winning the ball in the lineout and a major factor in the scrum.
Player #6 – Blindside Flanker
Big, tough and capable of bone-crunching tackles. Positioned on the side nearer to a touchline in the scrum. In the lineout, they back up the jumpers.
Player #7 – Openside Flanker
This flanker is positioned on the side furthest away from a touchline in the scrum. Their major role is to mess with the backs on the opposing team, so they are usually quick.
Player #8 – Number 8
Holds position at the back of the scrum, and is often the most imposing figure on the back row. Responsible for getting a good ball to the scrum half, passing during loose game play and nabbing the ball in the lineout.
Player #9 – Scrum Half
Generally one of the smaller players. Must be great ball handlers and also aggressive. They either put the ball back in play during loose play or feed the ball to the backs after the forwards snag it.
Player #10 – Fly Half
The team’s decision maker, who makes the call whether to kick or pass the ball to the backs.
Player #11 – Left Wing
Super speedy and frequently found making a mad dash for the try-line.
Player #12 – Inside Center
Usually the bigger center. Responsible for breaking through the oppositions’s defense and stopping their offensive attack.
Player #13 – Outside Center
The smaller center makes good use of the holes created by his counterpart. Either runs the ball himself or gets it to a teammate.
Player #14 – Right Wing
Speedy like the other wing and running for the try-line with the same gusto.
Player #15 - Fullback
Last line of defense before the goal. Must be super tough and an excellent kicker.