Rugby is a fast-paced, dynamic sport where every player has a job to do. Unlike many other team sports, rugby positions are numbered, and each one has role to play. Whether you’re in the thick of the scrum, sprinting down the wing, or setting up plays in the backline, understanding what’s expected of each position is key to success. Let’s grow your understanding of rugby positions with a very basic guide!
The Forwards: Power, Strength, and Grit
Loosehead Prop (1) and Tighthead Prop (3)
Physical Profile: Heavy, powerful, and exceptionally strong with a low center of gravity.
Offensive Duties: Props secure possession in rucks and take short, powerful runs into defenders to create space.
Defensive Duties: Their job is to challenge opposition forwards and stop the scrum from being pushed back.
Set Plays: Props help stabilize the scrum and lift jumpers in lineouts.
Hooker (2)
Physical Profile: Stocky and explosive with excellent core strength, agility and stamina than the props.
Offensive Duties: Similar to the props—winning possession, making short runs, and supporting in attack.
Defensive Duties: Holds the middle of the scrum and contests for the ball at set pieces.
Set Plays: Responsible for throwing in the ball at lineouts and striking the ball backward in scrums.
Locks (4 & 5)
Physical Profile: Tall, strong, and athletic with great vertical leap ability.
Offensive Duties: They provide support in rucks and sometimes take short, direct carries into contact.
Defensive Duties: Disrupt opposition attacks, steal possession at rucks, and dominate physical battles.
Set Plays: The primary jumpers in lineouts and their long legs are key power sources in scrums.
Blindside Flanker (6) and Openside Flanker (7)
Physical Profile: Strong, mobile, with high endurance and a probably the the most agile of the forwards
Offensive Duties: These players must have high mobility—securing rucks, taking quick passes, and keeping the attack moving.
Defensive Duties: Hard hitters, always looking for turnovers and dominant tackles.
Set Plays: They help stabilize the scrum preventing it from turning. Once done they provide immediate defensive pressure once the ball is in play. Can be secondary lifters in lineouts.
Number 8 (8)
Physical Profile: A mix of power agility and speed, with strong ball-carrying ability. Often the most “athletic” forward. Good football skills are a major bonus for this position.
Offensive Duties: Picks up the ball from the scrum, supports play, and makes big carries.
Defensive Duties: Chases down opposition runners, makes key tackles, and competes for possession.
Set Plays: The only forward allowed to pick the ball up directly from the base of the scrum. Often lifted in lineouts.
The Backs: Speed, Skill, and Strategy
Scrumhalf (9)
Physical Profile: Small and mobile with fast hands and a sharp mind for decision-making.
Offensive Duties: The link between forwards and backs, directing play and controlling the game’s tempo.
Defensive Duties: Guards against the opposition scrumhalf and organizes defensive effort.
Set Plays: Ensures clean ball distribution from scrums, rucks, and lineouts.
Flyhalf (10)
Physical Profile: Agile and skilled, with excellent kicking and passing ability.
Offensive Duties: The chief playmaker, deciding whether to pass, run, or kick for field position.
Defensive Duties: Often defends in the line in many defensive systems. must be a good tackler
Set Plays: Often the designated kicker for conversions, penalties, and drop goals.
Inside Centre (12) and Outside Centre (13)
Physical Profile: Strong, fast, and powerful with explosive acceleration. More than likely your physically strongest back line players
Offensive Duties: Attack the defensive line, create space, and link up with wingers.
Defensive Duties: Stop opposition breaks and tackle aggressively.
Set Plays: Execute structured attacking plays from scrums and lineouts.
Wings (11 & 14)
Physical Profile: Short or tall, powerful or agile. This is probably the most varied position in terms of body type. The main thing that links them all is elite speed, and catching ability.
Offensive Duties: Score tries, support line breaks, and stay wide to stretch the defense.
Defensive Duties: Cover opposition wingers, cover kick attempts and track back when needed.
Set Plays: Often receive cross-field kicks, help in counterattacks, and finish moves
Fullback (15)
Physical Profile: Fast and agile, with excellent jumping, vision and kicking skills.
Offensive Duties: Counterattacks, provides an extra option in attack, and kicks for territory. Secondary decision maker if flyhalf is unavailable. Often the backup kicker.
Defensive Duties: The last line of defense, making crucial tackles when others are beaten. Also collects high kicks.
Set Plays: Receives high balls and organizes the defensive backfield.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Rugby truly is for everyone. Short, tall, fast, or strong, every player on a rugby team has a crucial role in attack, defense, or set plays. Understanding rugby positions and their responsibilities helps players improve their skills and make smarter decisions on the field. It helps Coaches profile their team and know what they are looking for on the field. It helps parents understand how to help their children. Finally it helps fans understand and discuss the game better. If you want to dive deeper into rugby tactics and training, check out some of our other articles like this one on Speed and agility
