What Are the Different Positions in Rugby? (2022 Update)
List of the number of positions in rugby
A rugby starting team includes 15 players, of which there are seven backs and eight forwards. Here we look at the important positions in rugby and highlight some of the typical features of each.
Full-back
When balls are kicked deep over the backfield in rugby, fullbacks with the number 15 are more frequently deployed as punt returners. On the other hand, the fullback position in rugby needs strong legs to kick the ball far when there is no place to run.
When fullbacks get the ball, there are typically no offensive pitchmen nearby. They must face two or three defenders who are coming at them at full speed. They must rapidly determine whether to kick and chase or try to run to the outside and outrun the defensive threat.
Wing
The wing is one of the rugby position names. These players are the fastest. Besides, when they receive the ball, they only have one duty. The wing will use the open space on the outside to make extremely long runs. This is because there is no outside defensive threat.
When chasing down a 40-yard field goal, wings will also make long runs to outdistance the defenders as they turn around and race after the ball when it is rolling on the ground and the first man regains offensive possession.
Center
These are the team’s two running backs in positions in a rugby scrum. On offense, #12 is the inside center of position in rugby. This is a very strong and powerful runner who also enjoys tackling. Similar to how a fullback plays in football, inside centers are employed for rugby’s quick, difficult running game.
The outside center is #13. In contrast to the inside center’s hard jogging, outside centers are typically speedier and smaller. Rugby’s outside centers, when everything is well-planned and there is good passing available, are a scoring machine.
Although they can move quickly, outside centers are more noted for their ability to judge whether to run straight, pivot, and search for pitchmen on their outside and inside as quick offensive and defensive support running crosses the field.
Fly-half
The number 10 among positions in rugby is sewn onto the back of the fly-shirt. half’s The scrum-half, a fellow half-back, frequently passes the ball to the fly-half. The fly-half serves as the team’s “command post” and guides the other backs’ movements. His runs, kicks, and passes also serve as springboards for the other backs’ attacks.
Scrum-half
The scrum-half feeds the ball into the tunnel between the forwards of both sides during a scrum and then attempts to retrieve it with his hands (the number eight may also try to extract the ball in this way). Between the forwards and the backs, the scrum-half serves as a connecting link.
It’s important to be vigilant and quick-thinking while playing this position. Players that are quite short in stature can contribute significantly to the game in this position.
Number Eight
The 8-man, who is at the far back of the rugby scrum, shares the same duties as the flankers in all practical respects. Most likely, the 8-man will be larger and a little bit slower than the flankers. The defensive backfield is usually caught by surprise when an 8-man picks up the ball and runs with it after a set scrum down around 20% of the time.
When you only need to travel 1 to 6 yards for a score close to the goal line, this is incredibly successful. Just before scoring, a strong leg drive decides the play by running over two or three men.
Flanker
Flankers are the next important positions in rugby. They must operate constantly at full capacity. In order to prevent the offensive back line from having time to devise any cunning set plays, they are deployed on defense.
They must arrive at every offensive and defensive breakdown first since they are your speed rusher/linebacker. These fearless wonders win a significant portion of the ball if they can outpace the flankers of the other team. More than anybody else on the squad, flankers run and make tackles.
Hooker
Usually, this person is not very tall. The props’ heavier bodies will support the hooker as they cross their arms over the tops of their shoulders. The hooker hikes the ball back to the rugby quarterback like an offensive lineman center in football.
The eight-man scrum pack of the side moves forward to provide the hooker greater area to hook the ball, and then the ball is hooked with a soft swinging action of one of the feet.
Prop
Among positions in rugby, there are various kinds of props, including looseheads, tightheads, and uncommon animals that can play on both sides. They are utilized to push the scrum and are typically the two biggest players on the squad.
Props use their bulk, weight, and strength to win the ball during a dead ball set piece called a scrum down even though they are not the fastest players on the field due to their size. They play a crucial role in maintaining the scrum’s upright posture and preventing its collapse if it begins to tip over thanks to their strong upper bodies.
Final thought
Generally, all rugby position names contribute to the effectiveness of the gameplay. It might be different to point out which is the hardest rugby position because there are other factors affecting it. If you would like to learn more about this sport, visiting the website footballterms is an ideal option.
