Rugby positions

Details of rugby positions and how you play them. Backs, forwards, wing, prop? Work out where you fit in, enjoy yourself, feel good and you play well.

Positions based on the scrum

This is what it's all about, where you fit in.

This diagram shows all the positions in a rugby team based on the scrum.

Rugby positions based on the scrum

Go to "Basics", then keep pressing "Next"

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Basics
Positions
Forwards, general
Front row
Second row
Back row
Backs, general
Half-backs
Three-quarters and full-back
Op

Rugby positions basics

Positions need different sizes and shapes of player and different skills, qualities and temperaments.

The higher the level you want to play, the more important this becomes.

Age, physical characteristics and grade may affect your choice of position so it's a good idea to start at rugby positions basics

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Positions in the team

Each rugby team has 15 players on the rugby field at any one time. Each player has an allocated position on the field.

Knowing the position you have been allocated helps you understand and remember what you need to do during the game and where you need to be on the pitch.

The individual positions in a rugby team are in two major groups the "forwards" and the "backs".

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Rugby forwards positions

There are 8 forwards in a team.

They tend to be the bigger, stronger, heavier players in the team.

They`re also known collectively as "the pack".

These are the players who use size and strength to get the ball and move it towards the opposition goal-line.

The term "pack" is descriptive.

There are set piece contests for possession of the ball called "scrums"

Forwards from both teams pack together using their bulk, strength and ability to work together to get the ball.

Forwards tend to stay together in attack, using their size, weight and strength, moving around the field, working together they move the ball towards the opposition goal-line.

During the the course of a game it is usually clear which team has possesion of the ball. You can see it being passed from hand to hand as players run with it.

At other times it becomes unclear which team has possession. Informal struggles for the ball take place. It's usually and mainly the forwards who struggle to gain possession but any player can be involved in it.

When the ball is on the ground it's called rucking.

When the ball is off the ground it's called mauling.

Find out more about rucking and mauling in the section on how to play rugby.

The rugby positions of "forwards" also work together in defence, co-operating to stop the opposition from moving the ball towards your goal-line.

There are groups within the pack named in relation to the positions they take up in a scrum.

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Front row

Front row of the rugby scrum

The front row forwards group are the props and hooker positions. The props are numbers 1 and 3, the hooker is number 2.

The two props are highly specialised positions. For scrummaging you require size, strength and technique. In the line-out you throw the locks into the air to contest for possession.

Find out more about the rugby prop. There are always two of them.
Always Loose head prop on the Left.
Always Tight head prop on the Right..

The hooker usually throws the ball into the line-out and is always in the front row in a scrum where the hooker must strike for the ball with his or her leg.

For more detail visit the page about the rugby hooker - who is always in the centre of the front row.

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Second row

The second row of the rugby scrum

The second row group contains the rugby positions lock and lock - yes there are two of them! They are numbers 4 and 5.

The locks tend to be strong and tall. In the scrum you provide stability and go forward power to push the opposition off the ball.

In line-outs you are the tall timber. You are thrown into the air at the right moment to receive the ball thrown by the hooker or contest for possession when the opposition throws in.

Find out if you are suited for rugby lock

They are called lock forwards

Players in the front row rugby positions and the second row positions are collectively called the "tight five" because they are all bound tightly to each other in scrums.

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Back row

Back row of the rugby scrum

The back row group contains flankers and the number eight position. The flankers are numbers 6 and 7, the number eight is number 8, believe it or not!.

In these rugby positions you are at the back of the scrum and the back of the line-out.

When your side wins the ball you break quickly. You're involved in moves, you carry the ball forward or run in support of others.

When the opposition wins possession your break quickly, break up attacks and regain possession.

There are two flankers, usually positioned as blind-side and open-side. Maybe you are a rugby flanker

The big player at the back is the rugby number eight

Players in the back row rugby positions are also called "loose forwards" as they are bound only loosely to the other forwards.

They break from the scrum quickly and easily to do their work and have, in the past, been known as "break-aways".

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Rugby backs positions

There are 7 backs in the rugby positions in a team.

The backs provide more of the speed, agility and evasiveness required in many cases to score tries.

They tend to be smaller, faster, more elusive players.

This is only a guide! Many are large and fast!

Many are not elusive!

This is good, for you. Be elusive. It gets you in the team and it`s a great advantage for your side.

You`re a good back when you have good individual skills in running, passing, catching, kicking and tackling.

Backs move the ball to search out or create weaknesses in defence.

When you find weakness, you still need to get the ball through the opposition, so use your speed and evasion skills.

There are groups within the backs named in relation to... I`m not sure what!!!

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Half-backs

Half-backs with a rugby scrum

The half-backs group contains these key rugby positions - scrum-half, number 9 and fly-half, number 10.

When you are the scrum half you put the ball into the scrum.

When the ball comes out you get it to the fly-half quickly.

You may also be involved in moves with the back row or sometimes make breaks yourself to keep the opposition on their toes.

Here is more about the rugby scrum-half.

As fly-half you are usually responsible for calling the shots. Most teams will have some set plays. You have to decide which are used and when.

Find out more about the rugby fly-half
(or any of a dozen other names!!!) making the big decisions.

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Three-quarters and fullback

Three-quarters in relation to rugby scrum

The three-quarters group contains the positions centre (2 positions, numbers 12 and 13), wing (2 positions, numbers 11 and 14) and full-back, number 15.

For these positions you need speed, agility and tactical sense.

As a centre you will generally follow the lead of the fly-half, taking part in tactical moves designed to break through opposition defence.

You will also be expected to use your skills to take advantage of lapses in defence by catching the ball at speed and carrying it forward.

You will be expected to run straight and be able to catch and pass well under pressure.

Find out more on the page the rugby centre three-quarters
(there are two of them, usually positioned as inside and outside)

As a wing you will be fast and elusive. You will also need "Good hands" - the ability to catch well. You will be receiving the ball while traveling at speed and often passed by a player under pressure.

Find out more on the page the rugby wing three-quarters
(two of them, usually positioned as left and right).

That leaves one position. No group for this one, the full-back.

As a full back you will develop a great ability to read the game.

Although you are usually the last line of defence you have a real role to play in attack.

Speed will enable you to join in attack with the three-quarters, bursting through in support as the set play or unfolding play requires.

You`ll find out more on the page about the rugby full-back

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Op

This is a trick position - the op...position!

This is about the other lot. You beat them and win the game.

This section is to tell you the best way to defeat the opposition is to find out all about how you do it with EvtecHs Evasion TecHniques

You`ll be pleased you did, it`s all about how you avoid tackles. when the opposition are trying to put you on the floor!.

So, that`s it for rugby positions.
Work out your best position and
... learn to sidestep so you
...... play good rugby then find and
......... help others
............ be a team, above all remember,
............... have fun!!.

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