Rugby Positions explained
Rugby teams are known as "15s" because they consist of two groups of players: 8 forwards and 7 backs. Each position has specific responsibilities during the match and the numbers 1-15 on the players’ jersey refer to the position they play, rather than a personal squad number.
The Forwards "the pack":
The main role of the 8 forwards, who play in the first 3 rows , is to gain and retain possession of the ball and play in the scrum. They are usually larger and stronger but slower and less agile than the backs.
They essentially do everything that is meaningful in the game.
Front Row:
The front row is noted for their power and good looks, like no necks, battered ears, and S-shaped noses. They are without a doubt the manliest men on the pitch. Large (Units), often hairy and will smash anything in their path. They are rarely considered "nice"people, and in fact to some they aren't even considered humans at all. Accused by some of simply being dumb, I prefer to think of this group as "open to unconventionalways of thinking". They are made up of the hooker and the 2 props;the first rows meet in the scrum and try to prevent the opponent from moving the ball forward.
1 Loose head prop Forward position to the Left of the hooker; in ascrum, this player supports the hooker and pushes the opponent forward to gain field advantage.
2 hooker Position between the two props; this player attempts to gain possession of the ball in a scrum and to kick it back to team mates.
3 Tight head prop positioned Right of the hooker; in a scrum,this player supports the hooker and pushes the opponent to gain field advantage.
The Second row:
Its the engine room where the power flows. They are appreciated by the front row for their power in the scrummage but they are generally not as good looking as the front row. They are made up of two lock forwards:
4 Lock on the Left of the field; one of this player’s roles is to recover the ball during line-outs, rucks and mauls.The one lock is tall, with plenty of leverage strength in the legs. He must be productive in the lineouts as a jumper or supporter. Mobility is an added plus.
5 Lock on the Right side of the field; this player’s main role is torecover the ball during line-outs, rucks and mauls.
The loose forwards include the #8 and the flankers.
They are respected by the front row for their mobility, fitness, defense and support work. The loosey must have tremendous fitness and ballfetching instincts which are not completely understood or trusted bythe props and hooker, who are perfectly content to scrummage all day for the ball.
6 Blind side Flanker to the left of the no. 8 forward; this playercombines power with speed to play offensive and defensive roles. Must be able to take tackles.
7 Blind side Flanker to the right of the no. 8 forward; this player uses power and speed to play offensive and defensive roles. Must beable to steal the ball no matter what.
no. 8 forward Third-row position between the two flank forwards; whenplay is in progress, this player relays the ball from the forwards to the halves.
The Backs:
The main role of the 7 backs positioned behind the forwards isto take the ball won by the forwards and score points, either by running or kicking the ball.
#Back Row: (Same as Loose Forwards)
These are fine, fit fellows linked to the forwards. Some will do anything to win the ball and there are others within will do anything to prance foolishly with the ball. Generally, these guys are not all bad, but I, personally, have to wonder about any forward who brings a hair brush and a change of clothes to a game.
9 Scrum Half - Position that acts as a link between the forwards and the backs; this player recovers the ball in a scrum and mounts the team’s attack. Some like to think of this back as an honorary forward. While the toughest back almost always fills this position, kind of like the hottest fat chick. The scrum half's presence is tolerated by the forwards because they know that he will spin the ball to the rest of the girls in the backline who will inevitably knock the ball on and allow them the pleasure of another scrum.
10 The Flyhalf - It is rumored that the Fly has the best vision,hands, kicking ability, and overall tactical decision making ability on the side. The forwards do not understand or trust this individual. His primary role is the leader of the backs - the fly half, like any good Broadway choreographer, is usually light on his feet. While some may argue that these girls must be protected, I find it hard to support anyone whose foot touches a rugby ball on purpose.
Centers:
The hard chargers who will announce their presence in a game with the authority rarely found above No.8. They are supposed to be deadly tacklers, with strong running instincts and good hands.
12 left center Back position near the left wing; Big fast guy and an excellent passer, this player challenges opposing centers and breaksdown the defense.
13 right center Back positioned near the right wing; Big fast guy and an excellent passer, this player challenges opposing centers and breaks down the defense.
Back 3 - The Fullback and 2 Wingers -
They are allegedly fast with excellent striking ability. They are supposed to score lots of trys, catch the high ball, and counter attack with flair. But the stark reality (well understood by the forwards) is that the fullback and wingers prance and preen more thanthe inside backs. They don't get dirty and are always playing with their hair and pulling on their collars. Some props think fullbacks and wingers are "real purdy."
11 Left wing - Back who covers the left side of the field; this playeris a fast runner and must be able to catch the ball no matter what.
14 Right wing - Back positioned on the right of the field; this playeris a fast runner and must be able to catch the ball no matter what.
15 Fullback positioned in front of the goal fast runner with catchingand kicking skills; this player is the last line of defense for an opponent attempting to score a try.
Reserves
16 Replacement Hooker
17 Replacement Prop
18 Replacement Flanker
19 Replacement Loose forward
20 Replacement Fly Half or Scrum half
21 Replacement Back
22 Replacement Back
