As team sports go, the number of players on the field is above average. Rugby Union is played by opposing teams of 15 players which can look like 2 small armies lining up against each other.
You have probably noticed the numbers on their backs; unlike some sports, these have permanent meanings across the sport and are not specific to that player or club.
Each number corresponds to a specific position which requires a different type of player.
These players have unique roles in the team and are often positioned at different parts of the field.
The 15 players are divided into 2 groups: the forwards who wear jerseys numbered 1-8 and the backs who wear jerseys numbered 9-15.
Forwards are generally the larger of the two groups and do a lot of the off-the-ball work.
In defence they tackle and attempt to steal the ball, in attack, they secure the balls in rucks and do the majority of the carrying in the centre field where defences are most robust.
Backs are generally physically smaller and faster and aim to execute team plays to score, often positioning themselves wider than the forwards in the field.
We will first look at the forwards who are referred to both by their position name as well as their placement in the scrum:
Props(1 & 3):
There are two Props in a Rugby team and they form either end of the “Front Row” of the scrum. They are generally the most powerful in the scrum and, along with the hooker, bind to the opposing teams during the scrum.
Props are generally very stocky with a low centre of gravity – they are what many people think of when they imagine Rugby players.
The Hooker(2):
Between the two props in a front row is one “Hooker” so-called because they “hook” the ball with their feet during a scrum when it is rolled between the two front rows by the scrum-half. Another unique role of the Hooker is to throw the ball into the lineout.
Physically, players who are positioned at Hooker are built similarly to props but are often a little smaller and faster.
Locks(4 & 5):
Locks are often called “second-rowers” as they form the second row of the scrum. Binding to each other as well as the prop in front of them they provide a lot of the scrum’s power. Locks are also used for jumping lineouts so it is often the tallest players who take the position.
Flankers(6 & 7):
Two flankers form 2/3 of the back row. They are generally the smallest of the forwards but the most mobile. Ideally they are the fastest to get to rucks both as defenders and attackers and the most effective at stealing the ball in turnovers. Like any forward, flankers look to carry the ball a lot as well.
Number 8(8):
At the very back of the scrum, Number 8s (often just called the 8) are responsible for controlling the ball when it makes its way to the back of the scrum. Playing the ball to the backs is an important role of a number 8 and they generally have the best ball-carrying and handling skills out of the forwards.
Because of this, they are often the most powerful forward and will be taller and bigger than most flankers.
Now for the backs…
Scrum-Half(9):
Even without jersey numbers it would be easy to spot a scrum-half in a game of Rugby as they are the player who picks the ball from (almost) every ruck and passes it on to the next ball carrier.
Scrum-halfs form the link between the forwards and backs and are one of the key decision-makers on the team.
Scrumhalf’s generally cover the most distance out of any player in a game as they are involved in the majority of what is going on, therefore they need to be very fit.
They are often the smallest player on the pitch and do not carry the ball into contact as much as other backs.
Fly-Half(10):
Fly-half’s are usually the first player to receive the ball from the scrum-half and are the main playmaker on their team. They distribute the ball to the backs so must read the game to find gaps and opportunities for breaks in the opposing defensive line.
If you ever watch a local club match you will probably find the scrum-half and fly-half constantly shouting at their team-mates. This is because they are organising them into position for the next move. Therefore if a player wants to play in one of these positions they should be comfortable taking a leading role in the team.
The fly-half and scrum-half together are often called the “half-backs” and their communication is essential.
A fly-half will also often take most of the kicking responsibilities, either kicking for territory in live play or place-kicking penalties and conversions.
Centres(12 & 13):
Positioned in the centre of the field, the centres are often the second to receive the ball. The inside centre (12) is usually the stronger ball carrier who attempts to break the gain line.
The outside centre (13) is usually more agile, preferring to make a breakthrough footwork or distribute the ball to another player.
The outside centre is also key in defence; many outside centres help lead the defensive line so will be effective tacklers.
Wingers(11 & 14):
Wingers are positioned on either edge of the field. They are generally the fastest players on the pitch as they have the most try-scoring opportunities. Team plays often end with the winger trying to take advantage of an overlap and score so they will need a strong level of athleticism.
Wingers also do a fair share of the kicking in live play and must be good at receiving kicks from the opposing team as well.
Fullback(15):
Fullbacks must be very versatile as they are positioned in the backfield and are often the last line of defence should the opposition breakthrough. They are also prolific kickers and should be able to kick great distances which often qualifies them to be the second kicker behind the fly-half.
Fullbacks get involved in the attack as a receiver or playmakers so are usually one of the most intuitive players on the pitch along with the half-backs.
The Importance of Positions in Kids Rugby
A position is only a part of a player’s identity. They are first and foremost Rugby players and will be equally willing to run, pass and tackle whatever number they have on their back. The position simply means they do the core roles in different capacities as well as some roles that are specific to their position.
For young players the importance of positions is diminished, increasing as they age and approach the senior level. Indeed in minis Rugby where many of the fundamental parts of the game are omitted, positions are almost redundant.
When players begin contact Rugby around the age of 12, the game begins to incorporate more complex parts of play which justifies the use of positions.
Even then, due to players being early in their physical development and more consistent in their size and physicality, the positions are still not always as definitive. It is common for players at this age to move around in position; when they are older they should find a position that suits them the best.
Ultimately, players of any age should be more interested in fitting within a team rather than trying to meet some criteria for a position that may not suit them well.
