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Rugby number-eight

Rugby number-eight and the flankers are a small group of marauding forwards - this is about what you do and how you play well in that position.

Position in the team

15 players are on the rugby field at any one time.

This includes 8 forwards...

...of those forwards, 3 are front row...

...followed by the second row.

The number-eight is in the middle...
...of the back-row...like this...

Rugby number-eight
Rugby number-eight at the back of the scrum

Rugby number-eight at the back of the scrum

The shape of the player icons...
...indicates the sort of physique needed!

The number-eight comes...
...in one size...
....BIG

Handling ability is good...
Speed is useful
Tackling important
Strength is great...
Toughness is good
Competitiveness is excellent
Weight is good...
Endurance is good
Mobility is good

Rugby number-eight - in the scrum

The scrum...
...restarts play after rules are breached in a minor way.

The number-eight is in the middle of the back row.
They provide weight for pushing and stability...
...but have other responsibilities

When the opposition win the ball...
...in the scrum contest...
...the rugby number-eight DEFENDS

The number-eight breaks from the scrum...
...and combines with the two flankers
...to stop...
...any players with the ball from breaking through ...
...down either side.
The players would usually be...
...the opposition scrum-half or number-eight...
...who have gathered the ball at the base of the scrum...
...and run rather than pass to the backs.

When the ball goes to the opposition backs...
...the number-eight follows, using all speed...
Mission - help the flankers...
...stop the attack and...
...get the ball back!

When the ball is won in the scrum...
...the number-eight may...
. ...gather the ball...
...at the scrum base...
...and attack by...
...running with the ball

In attack...
...the number-eight must also SUPPORT

It may be supporting the scrum-half...
...running the ball from the base of the scrum

or may be...
...covering across...
...as the ball moves along the back-line...
...joining the flankers to retrieve the ball...
...after any break-down in play

Rugby number-eight - in the line-out

The line-out restarts play after the ball has "gone into touch".

Number-eights at the back of the line-out...
...sometimes get the ball because of their size

Number-eight duties together with the flankers are...
...similar to scrum time...
...stop breaks with the ball round the end of the line...
. ..make things difficult as possible...
... for the opposition backs to function well together

In attack...more of the same...
...at any break-down...
...assist the flankers in getting the ball...
...and provide part of the defensive wall...
... and stop any counter-attacks.

Rugby number-eight - in general play

The number-eight...
and the two flankers play in a co-ordinated way...
...to provide a mobile defensive area when...
...the team is defending or...
...when the team is attacking...
...they support ball carriers in trouble...
Time for the rucking and mauling skills!

At times when backs...
...are caught in break-downs...
...the back-row may find...
...they have to cover...
...for the backs to maintain a strong defensive line

Return from Rugby number-eight to Rugby positions

Evtechs Sports Training
Sydney, Australia