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Rugby Union Positions



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A Rugby Union team consists of 15 players. These players fall into two groups: forwards and backs. Generally, forwards are big powerful players who win ball for the team while backs are fast and skillful players who convert possession into points. There are 8 forwards numbered 1 to 8; they are found in the scrums, lineouts, rucks and malls. The backs are numbered 9 to 15; they line up behind the forwards and find gaps in the opposition’s defense by kicking, passing or running with the ball. The scrum half (number 9) links the forwards with the backs while the fly half (10) controls the game and makes most of the tactical decisions.

Player by Player

1 - Loosehead Prop
Strong, part of the front row of the scrum.

2 - Hooker
Powerful, ‘Hooks’ the ball when it is fed into the scrum. Throws the ball into the lineout.

3 - Tighthead Prop
Strong, part of the front row of the scrum.

4 - 2nd Row / Lock
Tall, makes up the second row of the scrum. Jumps for the ball in the lineouts.

5 - 2nd Row / Lock
Tall, makes up the second row of the scrum. Jumps for the ball in the lineouts.

6 - Blindside Flanker
Attaches to the side of the scrum. Covers the blind-side of the scrum. Mobile around the pitch, tries to be the first player to the breakdown.

7 - Openside Flanker
Attaches to the open-side of the scrum. Tries to close down the opposition fly half whenever possible. Mobile around the pitch, supports the backs.

8- Number 8
Sits at the back of the scrum, looks for loose ball and supports backs. Controls the ball at the back of the scrum.

9 - Scrum Half
Feeds the ball into the scrum and passes to the fly half. Usually quick, vigilant and excellent at passing.

10 - Fly Half
The key decision-maker, distributes the ball amongst the players. Kicks out of hand for territory and the usually the goal kicker as well.

11 - Left Wing
Fast and physical, stands far out on the left. Relies on speed and strength to get past his opposite man. Scores lots of tries.

12 - Inside Centre
The main defensive presence in the backs. Adept at moving the ball along to the faster backs outside.

13 - Outside Centre
Fast and opportunistic, good at taking advantage of attacking opportunities. Tries to create space for the wingers.

14 - Right Wing
Fast and physical, stands far out on the right. Relies on speed and strength to get past his opposite man. Scores lots of tries.

15 - Full Back
Usually the last line of defense. Looks for gaps and comes into the back line at speed when attacking.

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