Player Positions – Know Your Role
Rugby is a game for players of all shapes and sizes. That’s because there are specific positions on the pitch that require specialized skills. Of course, all players need to be able to run, pass, make tackles and clear out rucks, but some positions will be doing more of one thing than another. In addition, rugby is full of set pieces, such as restarts, lineouts, scrums, kick offs and kicks at goal, at which each position has a certain role. So, in this guide we give the main set piece attributes for each position, along with attack and defense essentials. We also highlight the ‘X factors’, those parts of the game where a player can bring a new dimension to a team. This guide to help players understand what they should be doing in a game. This is especially helpful if a player is changing positions and is unsure of their new role. These are purely guides as there is no one set template. These are the basics that players should be executing, therefore, this guide offers you objectives to aim for and you can look to develop their skills. Once you understand the fundamentals of your position, you can take your play to the next level.
1 & 3 – Loosehead and Tighthead Prop
Along with the Hooker, the Loose-Head and Tight-Head Props make up what is known as the front row, which refers to their rugby positions in the scrum. To be successful, both Props must be extremely strong in the neck, shoulders, upper body, and legs, and they should relish head-to-head competition. While stopping their side of the scrum from moving backwards, the Props also support the Hooker’s body weight, allowing them to see and strike the ball when it is put into the scrum. In the lineout, Props should be able to support or lift the jumper to prevent the opposition winning the ball. Away from set pieces, Props help to secure the ball when a player has been tackled, so it helps if they can combine their power with a degree of mobility. You’ll also often see them used as battering rams in attack, receiving short passes and hitting the opposition defense at pace in an attempt to draw in and occupy the defenders and make space for the more athletic players and their backs.
Scrums
Tighthead. Our Ball (Attack). Be the cornerstone of the scrum.
Tighthead. Their Ball (Defense). Disrupts their Hooker.
Loosehead. Our Ball (Attack). Creates the channel for the Hooker to strike and protects the Hooker.
Loosehead. Their Ball (Defense). Disrupts their tight head.
Both Props. Keep backs straight and hips and feet square to generate more power.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Support jumpers.
Their Ball (Defense). Drive through lineout once their jumper gets to ground to disrupt scrumhalf.
Attack
Clear out threats at rucks.
Carry the ball close to the breakdown.
Defense
Defend close to the ruck.
Make aggressive tackles.
X- Factors
Win turnovers at the rucks.
Tackle one of their backs.
Offload in the tackle.
2 – Hooker
Lining up in the scrum between the two Props, the Hooker is one of the forwards key decision-makers. They will coordinate the timing at the scrum and is also responsible for winning possession in the scrummage by hooking the ball back through the Props legs. To allow the Hooker to do this effectively, the Props support much of the Hooker’s weight, leaving them free to concentrate on hooking the ball back, rather than pushing against the opposition forwards. For this reason, the Hooker is often the smallest member of a front-row trio. At the lineout they are responsible for throwing the ball in and must be able to accurately hit the lineout jumper who is expecting the ball. In open play the Hooker plays a similar role to the Props, securing possession at rucks and mauls, or taking short “crash” passes.
Scrums
Our Ball (Attack). Strikes the ball by dragging it back and then scrummages hard.
Their Ball (Defense). Disrupts their Hookers strike by either challenging for the ball or scrummaging hard on their Hooker.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Throw accurately first then follow throw for catch and drive support.
Their Ball (Defense). Lift or support a jumper or cover the 5m channel.
In the throw spread fingers across the ball, put dominant hand at the back of the ball, look at target, keep arms and hands relaxed before throw.
Attack
Clear out threats at rucks.
Be an attacking option from the edge of rucks.
Defense
Win loose ball.
Compete for ball at the rucks.
Be aggressive in the tackle.
X-Factors
Win turnovers.
Be like a fourth back row player in open play.
4 & 5 – Lock/Second Row
The second-row forwards (also known as locks) are the engine room of the scrum and the target person in the lineout, meaning that they need to be tall, powerful players with excellent scrummaging technique and pinpoint timing. If they bind to each other and the Props too loosely in the scrum their pack will lose power If they are not accurate and dynamic with their lineout jumping, it offers the opposition forwards a chance to steal possession. In open play the second row’s duties have evolved from being support players at rucks and mauls to ball carriers. If a marauding second row is comfortable with the ball in hand, their bulk and power make them very difficult to stop.
Scums
Our Ball (Attack). Scrummages first but break quickly to be in position to support next phase of play.
Their Ball (Defense). Scrummages hard to help disrupt their ball. Get out of scrum quickly to get into the defensive line.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Win throw by being quick off the ground to beat opposition player. Don’t give away your intention to jump.
Their Ball (Defense). Watch the opposition jumpers to know when to jump. Get in front of the throw to compete for the ball and disrupt their lineout.
Attack
Clear out threats at the ruck.
Be aggressive going forward with the ball.
Defense
In defensive line match up against the big runners.
X-Factors
Take the high ball from the kick offs.
Attack the gain line with the ball in hand and be ready to use size/strength to offload out of contact.
6 & 7 – Flankers
Flankers are often considered to be the players with the fewest set responsibilities, but as such must be excellent all-rounders with inexhaustible energy. Speed, strength, fitness, tackling, and handling skills are all vital. Out of all the rugby positions, they are more often than not at the center of the action – winning balls at the ruck and maul, collecting short passes from tackled players and making their own big tackles in open play. While they can rarely be blamed for a loss, they can certainly be the key to victory. The open-side flanker plays on the far side of the scrum from the touchline and is often smaller in size than their blind-side partner, making them more mobile around the pitch. The blind-side flanker tends to have bigger, more physical role and also acts as a target jumper in the lineout.
6 – Blindside Flanker
Scrum
Position on the open side of the scrums (Far side from touchline – The side where the back lines set up).
Our Ball (Attack). Scrummage hard on your Prop. Be available to take the ball on at the first breakdown on the openside. Be ready to support if play goes to the blindside in a scrumhalf/back row move. Their Ball (Defense). Drive hard with your Prop to disrupt the opposition scrum. Cover a designated opposition player from their back row moves. Hold the defensive line from an openside move. Cover far side of the first ruck from first phase.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Work on supporting the jumper, then be a barrier to protect the scrum half. Be prepared to drive into a lineout maul.
Their Ball (Defense). Cover the back of the lineout or look for overthrows. Disrupt the catch and drive. Cover the inside of the ball when it is moved from the lineout. Be an alternative jumper.
Attack
Clear rucks.
Be strong over the ball and on the ball.
Be a ball carrying option from the edge of the ruck, inside 10.
Defense
Be an aggressive and destructive tackler.
Be in the front line of the defense.
Cover the far side of the ruck after the first phase.
X-Factors
Be the “workhorse”, not the “show pony”.
Break the tackle line with the ball.
Win back the tackle ball.
7 – Openside Flanker
Scrum
Position on the blind side of the scrums (Side closest to the touchline – The opposite side to where the back lines set up).
Our Ball (Attack). Scrummage hard with your Prop. Be the first at openside breakdowns. Be an option for 9 from a blindside back row move. Their Ball (Defense). Drive in hard with your Prop to disrupt their scrum. Cover the inside runner from their back row move. Attack their 10 , cover the inside pass. Cover across field behind the backs as the ball is passed.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Cover overthrows. Run out to meet the backs move, not towards your try line.
Their Ball (Defense). Look to gather loose throws. Get into the passing channel if their 9 is slow to clear. Attack their 10 and then follow inside the ball across the field.
Attack
Be on the ball, either as a passing option or supporting a break.
Be a link between backs and forwards.
Defense
Make tackles, don’t wait for them.
Win turnover ball by anticipating their attack and competing at the tackle.
X-Factors
Handle like a back.
Be everywhere on the pitch.
Be as happy in the “dark places” as in the open field.
8 – Number Eight
Support play, tackling and ball-carrying are the No.8’s areas of expertise, making their duties similar to the two flankers. Together the trio forms a unit called the back row. Binding on right at the back of the scrum, the No.8 is also the only player from the forwards who are allowed to pick the ball up from the base of the scrum. This is a move that is often used to gain vital yards when a team is scrummaging close to the opposition try line, and for it to be truly effective the No.8 must be an explosive, dynamic runner.
Scrum
Our Ball (Attack). Scrummage first. Control the ball at the back for 9 to make easy pass. Manipulate ball for easy pick up for a back row move. Be an offload option for a back row move or close backs move.
Their Ball (Defense). Lock the scrum in defense. Cover the inside attacker if they use a back row move. Cover inside your flanker if they move the ball wide.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Be a jumping option. Be part of a catch and drive.
Their Ball (Defense). Cover throws to the back of the lineout. Be a defensive option if the opposition back line cut the ball back.
Attack
Be an aggressive ball carrier taking the ball forward.
Link the forwards with the backs.
Defense
Line up to tackle bigger players at rucks.
Impose yourself at the tackle collision area.
X-Factors
Be a decision maker: back row moves, direction of play.
Boss the kick off receipt.
Cover the backfield for kicks from the kick off or kick and chase.
9 – Scrumhalf
Acting as the link between the forwards and the backs, the scrumhalf is the key rugby positions when it comes to building attacks. Playing just behind the forwards, a good scrumhalf will control exactly when the ball is fed out to the backs from the rear of a scrum, ruck or maul. The playmaker needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands, and lightning reactions. They tend to be one of the smaller players on the pitch and so rely on protection from their own forwards. An indecisive or poorly protected scrumhalf makes easy meat for a rampaging opposition flanker.
Scrum
Our Ball (Attack). Communicate the moves between backs and forwards. Work with the number 8 on when to release the ball. Pass off the ground to the fly half whenever possible for quickness (Don’t pick up and pass).
Their Ball (Defense). On their left-hand side scrums follow their scrum half round or stand on the other side at the back feet. Harass the opposition 9 and target their 10. On their right-hand side scrums try to get into the passing channel. Get around to help cover the 10.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Communicate the moves between backs and forwards. Stay close to the 5m line as the ball is thrown. Decide whether to clear the ball to the backs or hold it if it is too risky.
Their Ball (Defense). Once the opposition win the ball cover across behind the back of the lineout. Be ready for any stolen ball.
Attack
Control the attack in as many phases of play as possible.
Listen to the fly half to hear when and where to pass.
Mix passing with runs and kicks.
Be the key link between forwards and backs.
Defense
Control the defense around the edges of rucks and mauls.
Cover the field behind the first line of defense.
X-Factors
Have a mix of being a back and forward in your outlook.
Be able to box kick.
Be the loudest player on the field.
Combine being a feisty fighter with a generous team player.
10 – Fly-Half
The heartbeat of the side and arguably the most influential player on the pitch. Almost every attack will go through the fly-half, who also has the responsibility of deciding when to pass the ball out to the Centers and when to kick for position. A number 10 must orchestrate the team’s back line, deciding what rehearsed moves to put into action and reacting to gaps in defense. They are also the main target for the defending team’s open-side flanker and so must be strong in the tackle. The fly-half also has to be able to relieve territorial pressure by kicking down the field into touch, and is often the team’s designated placekicker for conversions, penalties and drop goal attempts. In defense, they will marshal the backs to ensure each opposition player is covered, and a strong tackling standoff can snuff out opposition attacks before they start.
Scrum
Our Ball (Attack). Exploit the 10m space between the backlines. Vary your plays depending on the field position. Keep the defense guessing.
Their Ball (Defense). Work with the openside flanker to cover opposition 10 and 12 channels. Lead up the midfield defense when the ball comes out of the scrum. Be prepared to tackle their number 8 from a back row move.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Exploit the 20m space between the backlines. Get outside the back of their defenders at the lineout. Vary your plays depending on the field position. Keep the defense guessing.
Their Ball (Defense). Work with your backs in the lineout to drift out on the Inside Center. Be ready to gather turnover ball.
Attack
Lead the attacking strategy.
Bring forwards and backs into the game from the second phase.
Keep the opposition defense guessing with kicks, runs, and passes.
Use kicks to gain territory and apply pressure.
Defense
Protect your channel in defense.
Be prepared to tackle forwards who receive pop balls from their 10.
Use kicks to relieve pressure.
X-Factors
Attack the gain line when you run with the ball.
Change your depth so you can be either close to the gain line or further back.
Kick well with both feet.
Kick drop goals.
12 & 13 – Centre
The Inside Center – who stands closest to the fly-half when the backs line up – and the Outside Center tend to be strong, dynamic runners with a good eye for exposing gaps in the opposition defense. In attack they tend to run very direct lines. The Centers take on their opposite number in an attempt to either break the defensive line or draw in enough opposition defenders to create space and try-scoring opportunities for their team-mates. As such they need to be strong and powerful, and when attack turns into defense, they must also be accomplished at tackling. The Inside Center is often the more creative in a Center pairing and should be able to pass and kick nearly as well as the fly-half. In either defense or attack, the Inside Center tends to be all action – dishing out the tackles and then drawing the opposition defense. Meanwhile, the Outside Center tends to be the faster of the two and the ability to offload the ball quickly to the wingers is also vital.
Scrum
Our Ball (Attack). Hold your run so you are attacking from depth. Make yourself a threat even if the move means you don’t get the ball.
Their Ball (Defense). Move up and across in line with your 10. Know where your other Center is.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Exploit the space between the attack and defense by running sharp angles and not drifting with the pass.
Their Ball (Defense). Stay in line with the other Center and 10. Close down the space between attack and defense quickly.
Attack
Beat your opposite number with changes of angle and pace.
Use sharp angles to beat defenders.
Release the outside backs when they are in space.
Defense
Be aggressive in the tackle, the midfield will never be penetrated.
Compete for turnover ball, especially straight after opposition scrums or lineouts.
X-Factors
Offer a kicking option.
Be the defensive captain.
Always look to break the gain line and offload from first phase plays.
11 & 14 – Wing
Playing out wide on the side of the pitch, the winger is a team’s finisher in the attack. A winger is also often the last line of defense when they don’t have the ball and as such, pace is their major resource. 11 on left, 14 on right. Open or blindside based on set of the backline at set-piece and changes in open play.
Tacking the high ball kicks
Try to get off the ground to take the high ball.
Keep the elbows together.
Hands facing towards you (your goal line) so a fumble will go backwards.
Turn towards the touchline so if the ball spills out, it goes backwards and away from danger.
11 or 14 – Blindside Wing
Scrum
Our Ball (Attack). If the ball goes open, either cover full back’s position (if full back goes into the line), or make the extra player in attack.
Their Ball (Defense). Communicate with the blindside flanker (6). Stay on the outside player.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Either cover full back’s position (if full back goes into the line), or make the extra player in attack.
Their Ball (Defense). Stand on the 15m line to cover box kicks.
Either stay in position when the ball goes open to cover switch back attacks or fill in for full back.
Attack
Be ready to chase a box kick.
Look to bring the ball back infield when close to the touchline.
Defense
Use the touchline as your friend (another defender) in defense.
Check the numbers and hang back if you can for the box kick.
X-Factors
Be like a second full back.
Look for extra work in attack by coming off your wing.
11 or 14 – Openside Wing
Scrum
Our Ball (Attack). Hold your run, so you can see when to accelerate and where the space is. Give the fullback space to run in between you and the Outside Center (13).
Their Ball (Defense). Communicate with 13.
Stay on your outside player, unless 15 tells you to step in.
Lineout
Our Ball (Attack). Hold your width to draw out their winger. Don’t stand too deep because there is plenty of space between you and the tackle line.
Their Ball (Defense). Hold back for kick.
Come into line if the ball is passed by their 10.
Attack
Don’t run into touch.
Call for the ball if there is an overlap.
Run in then out to fix defense player.
Carry the ball in the arm closest to touchline.
Defense
Call out if there is an attacking overlap and your inside backs need to drift.
Communicate with 13 and 15 on whether to step in or stay out.
X-Factors
Look for chip and chase to score tries.
Back your pace or your sidestep to beat your opposite player.
15 – Full-back
Lining up behind the entire back line, the fullback is the closest thing that rugby has to a sweeper in defense. But they also receive deep kicks from the opposition, so they must be comfortable catching high balls and launching attacks from the resulting possession. As such, the full back must have enough tactical awareness to recognize when to counter-kick, and when to run with the ball, often from deep within their half. This high-pressure rugby positions is not for the faint-hearted, but those who can combine tackling, kicking, catching and running with a cool head can excel here.
Tacking the high ball kicks
Try to get off the ground to take the high ball.
Keep the elbows together.
Hands facing towards you (your goal line) so a fumble will go backwards.
Turn towards the touchline so if the ball spills out, it goes backwards and away from danger.
Scrum
Set up 30m behind the scrum, no further back than own goal line, in line with their most likely kicker.
When the ball leaves the scrum, move in line with it. Move with the pass to cover kicks.
Lineout
Their Ball (Defense). Set up 20m behind your Outside Center (13), no further back than your goal line.
If the ball is moved wide, stay back to cover kicks.
Attack
Don’t start in the attacking line.
Use your depth to pick the best time to enter the back line.
Move into the backline and counterattack if the odds are 1 v 1.
Defense
Work with wingers to cover the backfield kicks.
Act as the last line of defense against a breakthrough – take the player on the outside.
Kick away from the opposition pack.
X-Factors
Communicate with your frontline defense on possible weak areas.
Kick with the foot closest to touchline.