Rugby Positions

Most us have seen players slog on the Rugby pitch and conquer the touch down line. For those amongst us who are involved in the game on a professional level, they have been there done that. The new entrants still have to get a grip of the proceedings in Rugby. One of such important aspects of rugby are the rugby positions. In case you were one of those trying to know about that, you have hit the right link!

Rugby Positions Explained

There are 2 main categories of players in Rugby, common in both Rugby Union as well as Rugby League and which are also similar to some of the positions in American football as well. These are the forwards and the backs. Let's take a look at the positions according to the categories.

Backs

Half Back
Fly-halfs are one of the player types when it comes to rugby positions under half backs. The tactical decisions are taken by this player. They have to be excellent at communicating with the other backs. The role of the kicker of the team is performed by the fly half. Scrum half is another position which is very important. It is the link between the all important forwards and backs. Quite so, these are the players around whom the game revolves. Read more on rugby positions explained.

Full Back
The full back begins with covering the defensive options behind the sweeper player and in the line of defense, removed from the other players who are backs. The primary function of the fullbacks is to take care of opposition kicks. They need to have good tackling skills as they are the last line of defense. These players have to get hold of the high kicks and sometimes even return the kick after taking the catch.

Three Quarters
Also known as the outside backs, comprising wings and centers as per the Rugby league positions and rules. Positioned closer to the edges of field, the wingers are the fastest players in the team and have to finish an attacking move whereas the centers are placed outside the half backs, inside of where the wingers are placed.

Forwards

Loosehead and Tighthead Prop
The hooker in the scrum is supported by these two players, which result in effective dynamic support to the jumpers in the line out. In the scrum, these props are the main strength in the push forward along with the second row. Typically, these rugby positions have players who are very strong and hefty.

Hooker
Be it attack or defense, these players are very important for a rugby team. As the name suggests, hookers make good use of their feet for hooking the ball in the scrum. This is considered to be the most challenging and dangerous positions on the rugby field. Many a time, a hooker and a loosehead prop team up to attack the opposite team's tighthead. That helps a team gain an edge over the other at scrum time.

Lock
The tallest players in a team amongst rugby positions, these are the primary targets at the line outs. These have to jump vigorously at line outs, helped by their teammates for catching the ball, to get it to the scrum half. If not that, at least to get the first touch to get the ball on their side.

Eightman
As the name goes, this player is the 8th man to fit in the scrum. Akin to the flankers, they are on a watch out for loose balls. They support the backs when they are attacking. The main task of these players amongst rugby positions is to control the ball at the back of the scrum for the scrum half; as soon as it has been won. If not that, this player has to collect the ball himself from that spot on the scrum and charge up the field or pass it to another player. Read more on rugby rules and positions.

Blindside and Openside Flankers
The main function of a flanker is to get rid of the messy balls for starting a new phase of play. Simply put, they are very important with regards to maintaining and gaining possession once the errors are sorted out. To be specific, the blindside flanker's role is to be as close to the ball as possible while being a crucial link between forwards and backs. He also plays a roving defender if the other team has possession. On the other hand, openside flanker is a player who has to keep getting the possession of the ball back for his team. He also teams up with the backs when a team makes attacking advances on the opponents.

These are the basic rugby positions and descriptions, which apart from this, can vary slightly as per the Rugby union or the rugby league. Further, Rugby Union has 15 players per team and a rugby league team consists of 13 players.

Now it is time for me to come off the scrum, while you can perhaps enjoy a rugby game!