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Rugby PlayersKnow and understand more about rugby players and where you fit in when you play rugby.The teamRugby players come in all shapes and sizes and there is a position in a rugby team for everyone.A team is 15 players plus substitutes/replacements and two teams are needed for a game. The team can be split roughly into two groups - the "forwards" and the "backs". ForwardsThere are 8 forwards in a team and they tend to be the bigger players. They`re also known collectively as "the pack".A range of work is done by the forwards as a whole, so many different physical attributes, skills and qualities are needed within the group. Forwards in scrumsBulk, strength and scrummaging skills are needed to give stability and power in the struggle for the ball.This is the main function of the 3 members of the "front row", assisted by the 2 in the "second row" and the single player who is in the third row but called the "number 8" (the number on the shirt). This group of rugby players (minus the number 8) is called the "tight five" because they are the five players in the scrum bound tightly together. Two additional players (called flankers) bind to the side of the scrum. They give additional weight and power for pushing the opposition off the ball. They must also be strong, fast and determined because they must break rapidly from the scrum to win back the ball if it goes to the opposition. Forwards in lineoutsHeight , strength, coordination and athletic ability are required by the rugby players who are jumpers in the lineouts. They jump and are thrown into the air to catch or deflect the ball thrown from the touch-line.The jumpers will usually be the two players who fill the second row in the scrum. The "hooker" (the middle player of the front row) usually throws the ball, so must be capable of mastering that part of the game. Strength and bulk are required to throw the jumpers into the air and to prevent opposition forwards breaking through the lineout. This supporting role is done by the players who are the front row of the scrum (minus the hooker who is throwing in the ball or marking the opposition thrower). Flankers or the number 8 sometimes provide an alternative target for the thrower. Forwards in general playIn general play the forwards combine loosely, marauding as a co-operative pack. They need strength, bulk and mobility to combine when necessary to support each other and to spread out and protect ground when that`s required.In attack they use their strength and power to drive the ball forward, attempting to break through the opposition or at least engage and tire as much of the opposition as possible before releasing the ball to the backs. In defence they must tackle relentlessly to prevent the opposition from breaking through, while attempting to regain possession. BacksThere are 7 backs in a team of rugby players. They tend to be smaller than the forwards, but it`s sometimes hard to tell without looking at the numbers!The backs provide more of the speed, agility and evasiveness required in many cases to score tries. The backs require good individual skills in running, passing, catching, kicking and tackling. Ball movement is used by the backs to search out weaknesses in defence. When a weakness is found, a player is still required to get the ball through the opposition using either speed or guile. A subgroup is the half-backs, made up of the scrum half and the fly half (also called the five-eighth or outside half). These players have vital roles and require good skills and great confidence. The scrum-half is the link between the forwards and the rest of the backs. The fly-half is the play maker of the team, deciding on and arranging both attack and defence So there you are, a quick view of rugby players. Where do you want to play? Return from Rugby Players to How to Play Rugby
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