Rugby Positions Explained
The position of a rugby player tells him where to stand, what to do, and how he fits into his team. When USA college rugby teams work together as a team, they can play as great as the USA Eagles.
Prop- Prop literally means to “hold up” or “support”. He supports a hooker in a scrum ora jumper in a lineout. He needs to have excellent strength. The loosehead prop (number 1) stands on the left side of the hooker in a scrum, and his head is outside of the scrum. The tighthead prop (number 3) is there to support the scrum, and disrupt the play for the opposition.
--->Main skills required: Strength, good Scrummaging technique
Hooker- His job is very unique. His main job is to “hook” the ball in the scrum to gain possession, also throws theb all in at lineouts. He needs excellent sprinting speed to disrupt lineouts for opposition.
--->Main skills required: Speed, good Lineout throwing technique
Lock- The two tallest people on the team. Usually jumpers for lineouts, also expected to hold their own with the other forwards. Endurance is a must.
--->Main skills required: Endurance, good Lineout jumping technique
Number 8- He is a hybrid forward: both strong and rugged but fast and durable. He is the only forward who can pick up the ball from the scrum.
--->Main skills required: Tackling, communication to scrum half during scrums.
Flanker- They are probabl y the most expandable position on the field. Their job is to create overloads, tackle, disrupt play for the opposition, or support the backs.
--->Main skills: Tackling, Endurance, Fitness, Speed
Scrum-Half- Smallest player on the team. Has to be fast, agile, and quick. He is the link between forwards and backs, he must be the best passer on the team, and think on his feet.
--->Main skills: Passing, Split-Second decision making
Fly-half- The “quarterback” of the team. He directs plays, punts balls long distances, and be aware of the opposition.
--->Main skills: Running plays, kicking
Inside/Outside Center- Usually used to “crash” into the opposition back line, together these two positions create a “wall” to plow through the enemy backline. Must also pass to the wing so tries can be scored.
--->Main skills: Tackling, passing
Wing- The outermost two players in a back line formation. They are the “glory boys” who should score all of the tries with speed and agility.
--->Main skills: Sprinting, Excellent dodging skills
Fullback- The last position on the team. He is a mix of the backline, and is the last line of defense in any game. He must have excellent tackling skills, must watch for kicks from the opposition, must be able to return kicks, can fill-in the backline to create an overload, and must catch high balls under pressure.
--->Main skills: Catching, tackling, timing