Rugby is an exceptionally dynamic sport with ever-changing conditions on the field that demand flexibility and adaptability from the players on the pitch. Unlike American football, where players are highly specialized by position, rugby players must be able to do it all: run, catch, pass, and tackle. That said, each rugby position does have a set of core responsibilities that each player is accountable for. This guide will break down the 15 positions on the rugby pitch and explain their role in contributing to the single unit that is a rugby union team.
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Rugby forwards
The forwards, often referred to collectively as “the pack,” include eight players who are generally among the largest and strongest members of the team. They also come together to form the rugby scrum, a crucial set piece used to restart the game after penalties and minor infractions. Forwards will also form up during a lineout to restart play after the ball has gone into touch.
Here is a closer look at each member of the forward pack on a rugby union team.
Loosehead prop
The loosehead prop, who wears No. 1, lines up on the left side of the scrum across from the opposition’s tighthead prop. They get their name from the fact that their head is lined up on the outside of the opposing prop’s, so it is “loose” on the outside of the scrum. Loosehead props are sometimes the smaller and quicker of the two props, which is advantageous given their ability to more quickly exit the scrum once the ball comes out, but this isn’t always the case.
Props in general are usually the biggest and strongest players on the pitch, responsible not only for providing a powerful drive in the scrum but also tackling the opposition’s forwards, breaking through the gain line on short passes, acting as formidable obstacles in the ruck, and counter-rucking effectively when the opportunity presents itself. Props also contribute considerable weight and momentum to mauls, which may form off a lineout or in open play.
Hooker
The hooker, who wears No. 2, tends to be relatively smaller than the other members of the front row — a stout stature may improve their ability to win the ball in a scrum by hooking it with their foot. In the scrum, the hooker lines up between the two props, and in a lineout the hooker is typically the player who throws the ball in. The hooker can be a versatile player, acting more like an additional prop or loose forward depending on a team’s system.
Tighthead prop
The tighthead prop, who wears No. 3, lines up on the right side of the scrum with their head between the opposing hooker and loosehead prop. They tend to be the larger of the two props, as strength and power are the priorities since their position in the scrum makes quickly detaching virtually impossible anyway, though this isn’t necessarily so.
Like the loosehead prop, tighthead props are key when it comes to halting the momentum of the opposition’s pack, creating sturdy rucks, counter-rucking ferociously, and gaining hard meters by breaking through the defensive line.]
Is your head spinning from all the rugby terms in this article? Check out our glossary of rugby terms for a massive list of definitions that will help clear things up!
Locks
Locks, who wear No. 4 and No. 5, tend to be tall, strong players who line up in the second row of the scrum and serve to provide stabilizing support to the front row. Locks are typically the players who jump in the lineout, as well as provide deep support should a ball be overthrown. Usually more agile than a prop but still rather strong, locks can make effective runners near the breakdown, as well as serve to reinforce rucks and provide tough challenges in the counter-ruck.
Blindside flanker
The blindside flanker, who wears No. 6, lines up on the side of the scrum closest to the nearest touch line. Importantly, unlike the front row, this alignment may vary depending on where the scrum is located on the pitch. Blindside flankers tend to be focused on carrying the ball often in the attack and making plenty of tackles on defense. Exceptional skills in the breakdown, including rucking, counter-rucking, and poaching or jackaling, are a must.
Openside flanker
The openside flanker, who wears No. 7, lines up on the side of the scrum furthest from the touch line. It is critical that this player be quick, strong, and aggressive, as they will often need to detach from the scrum to defend against quick attacks targeting the channel between the scrum and the fly-half. Openside flankers should also be exceptional in the breakdown and highly effective when it comes to rucking, counter-rucking, and poaching or jackaling.
Number eight
The number eight, aptly named and wearing No. 8, lines up in the back of the scrum with his head between the hips of the two locks. The number eight is responsible for steering the scrum and controlling the ball once it reaches the back of the scrum, keeping it in until the scrum-half is ready to play it out or the number eight picks up the ball to run. The number eight should have a high rugby IQ and the ability to make quick decisions, martial the other forwards under their leadership, and, of course, run hard and tackle well.
Rugby backs
The backs, sometimes called the backline, are generally the faster, more agile members of a rugby team. They must combine their speed with exceptional hands, ball skills, and decision making in order to take advantage of attacking opportunities created by the forward pack. Backs also need to exhibit reliable open-field tackling at high speeds, as the opposition’s backline will be testing them throughout the match. Here’s a look at each member of a rugby team’s backline and their roles and responsibilities.
Scrum-half
The scrum-half, who wears No. 9, is the link between the forward pack and the backline and serves to organize the forwards and control the pace of the attack. The scrum-half must be quick, fit, and possess exceptional passing ability. Rugby IQ is absolutely essential at this position, as much of the decision-making phase after phase falls to the scrum-half. The No. 9 is also the player who feeds the ball into the scrum when restarting play after a knock-on, forward pass, or other minor infraction.
Fly-half
The fly-half, who wears No. 10, is the captain of the backline. Like the scrum-half, sure hands and passing ability are critical for any good fly-half, as is strong kicking ability. Fly-halves will often kick to touch on penalties and exit kicks, and it is common to see the No. 10 kick at goal for points. Exceptional rugby IQ and leadership ability is a must, too, as the fly-half must continuously arrange the backline based on the changing conditions on the pitch.
Inside center
The inside center, who wears No. 12, is generally one of the strongest members of the backline, though their agility is also highly important. Inside centers should possess sure hands and the ability to run hard, fast lines at the opposition on the attack. On defense, it is crucial that inside centers be reliable in the tackle and the breakdown. Ideally, the No. 12 will also have great chemistry with the outside center, who must often work in tandem with their interior counterpart on both the attack and defense.
Outside center
The outside center, who wears No. 13, is typically faster and more agile than the inside center, though still a strong runner and defender. Like the inside center, the outside center should be able to run hard lines and make quick cuts, which serve to misdirect the defense and create attacking opportunities. Outside centers should also be stalwart defenders, as they can be instrumental in disrupting the flow of the opposition’s attack and preventing the ball from getting out wide. The ability to seal rucks effectively is also important, as the outside center will often be the first responder when a wing or fullback is tackled on the far side of the pitch away from the forward pack.
Wings
The wings, who wear No. 11 and No. 14, should be among the fastest players on a rugby team. On the attack, the wings are finishers, pinning their ears back to score a try at the corner flag or cutting through inside gaps before the defense can react. On defense, wings must be dynamic, oscillating between kick defense and joining the defensive line when the opposition swings the ball out wide. They must also communicate closely with the fullback to remain linked as a single unit known as the back three.
Fullback
The fullback, who wears No. 15, plays deep behind the defensive line with the responsibility of defending against kicks and line breaks. Reliability under the high ball is critical at fullback, as is an ability to make open-field, try-saving tackles as the last line of defense. The fullback must also possess a high rugby IQ, not only to organize the wings but also identify overloads and communicate them to the defensive line before the opposition exploits them. On the attack, the fullback serves as a dynamic player, able to insert into the line wherever a gap exists, creating opportunities to change the direction of play or add another player in the attacking line when opportunities arise out wide.
Now that you know all about the 15 rugby positions on the pitch, check out our guide to rugby rules, which breaks down the laws that govern the game and the penalties that apply for violating them.
Reserves
In addition to the starting 15 on a rugby pitch, a team will generally have eight reserves numbered 16 through 23. Usually, this includes at least three forward pack specialists, though reserves may be expected to step in for any number of positions depending on the needs of the team.
Reserves are important because they provide critical support late in the game when members of the starting 15 are fatigued. Reserves are also essential for substituting to cover for any injured players. Between the eight reserves, every rugby position should be accounted for, so the best reserves are well-rounded, experienced players who have a solid rugby IQ regardless of where they are needed on the pitch.
Positions in rugby are dynamic
It’s important to note that just because a rugby player is assigned to a particular position doesn’t mean they only have that job alone. Rugby is a dynamic sport, so it is highly likely that, at least some of the time, players will have to fulfill roles primarily associated with other rugby positions. For example, sometimes a winger will have to tackle a lock. Other times, a prop will have to run against the backs. All rugby players must be ready and willing to adapt to changing conditions on the pitch; adaptable rugby players are effective rugby players.
As a result, many rugby players are able to play multiple positions. It is not uncommon to encounter a flanker or lock who is highly familiar with playing in the backline. Nor is it out of the ordinary for the centers to have experience playing with the forward pack. In fact, teams with well-rounded rugby players often have an advantage, since they can easily swap with their teammates when the situation calls for it or substitute for an injured player if needed.
Fifteen rugby positions, but only one team
Rugby is the ultimate team sport in that not a single point may be scored without a collective effort. So, while there may be 15 individual rugby players on the pitch, to have success they must all come together as a single unit in support of one another. From the strongest prop to the most agile wing, each rugby player must be willing to step into their teammates shoes when the game situation calls for it, and each must be willing to support the other without hesitation for 80 minutes, every single match.
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