Finding Your Position in Rugby UNION: A Guide for Newcomers
Rugby is a sport for everyone, no matter your size, speed, or temperament. One of rugby’s greatest strengths is the variety of roles on the field, meaning there’s a position suited to every player’s physical attributes and personality. For newcomers to the game, choosing a position can seem daunting, but understanding the demands of each role can help you find your place on the pitch.
This guide explains the key characteristics and temperaments best suited to each position, helping you discover where you’ll thrive in the game of rugby.
1. Understanding Rugby Positions
Rugby teams consist of 15 players divided into two groups: forwards and backs.
Forwards (Numbers 1–8):
Known as the "engine room," forwards specialize in physical battles, scrummaging, rucking, and securing possession.
Ideal for players who are strong, durable, and enjoy close-contact play.
Backs (Numbers 9–15):
The playmakers and speedsters, backs focus on creating and finishing attacking opportunities.
Best for players who are agile, fast, and strategic thinkers.
2. Forwards: The Powerhouses of the Team
Props (1 and 3)
Role: Provide stability in the scrum and dominate in close-contact situations.
Physical Attributes:
Shorter and stockier build for strength and balance.
Strong upper body and core strength.
Temperament:
Determined and tough, with a willingness to engage in physical battles.
Hooker (2)
Role: Throws the ball in lineouts and hooks the ball in scrums.
Physical Attributes:
Compact and powerful with good flexibility.
Strong shoulders and neck for scrummaging.
Temperament:
Leadership qualities, quick thinking, and precision under pressure.
Locks (4 and 5)
Role: Win lineouts and provide power in scrums and mauls.
Physical Attributes:
Tall and athletic, often the tallest players on the team.
Excellent jumping ability and upper body strength.
Temperament:
Hardworking and disciplined, with a focus on teamwork.
Flankers (6 and 7)
Role: Disrupt opposition play and support ball carriers.
Physical Attributes:
Lean and muscular with explosive speed and agility.
High stamina to cover large areas of the field.
Temperament:
Aggressive yet strategic, with a hunger for tackles and turnovers.
Number 8 (8)
Role: Link between forwards and backs, carrying the ball in open play.
Physical Attributes:
Big and powerful but with good speed and ball-handling skills.
Excellent vision to read the game.
Temperament:
Confident and composed, often a leader on the field.
3. Backs: The Creative and Fast Players
Scrum-Half (9)
Role: Directs play by passing the ball from the forwards to the backs.
Physical Attributes:
Smaller and agile, with exceptional hand-eye coordination.
Quick over short distances.
Temperament:
Vocal and authoritative, with a sharp rugby brain.
Fly-Half (10)
Role: The primary decision-maker and kicker, orchestrating the team’s attack.
Physical Attributes:
Agile and balanced, with a strong kicking game.
Good vision to spot attacking opportunities.
Temperament:
Calm under pressure, confident, and strategic.
Centres (12 and 13)
Inside Centre (12):
Role: Ball carrier and secondary playmaker.
Physical Attributes: Powerful runner with strong tackling ability.
Temperament: Aggressive and adaptable, with good communication skills.
Outside Centre (13):
Role: Exploit gaps in defense and create attacking opportunities.
Physical Attributes: Fast and agile with sharp reflexes.
Temperament: Creative and instinctive, with an eye for space.
Wings (11 and 14)
Role: Speedsters who finish attacking moves and cover the sidelines in defense.
Physical Attributes:
Fastest players on the team with strong acceleration.
Lean and athletic with excellent balance.
Temperament:
Opportunistic and confident, thriving in high-pressure moments.
Fullback (15)
Role: Last line of defense and counter-attacking threat.
Physical Attributes:
Agile and fast, with good kicking and catching skills.
Strong stamina to cover the entire field.
Temperament:
Calm and composed, with a strategic understanding of the game.
4. Choosing Based on Your Personality and Skills
If you’re unsure where you fit, consider these factors:
Do You Like Physical Contact?
Yes: Forwards (e.g., Prop, Flanker).
No: Backs (e.g., Wing, Fly-Half).
Are You a Team Strategist or an Action Player?
Strategist: Fly-Half or Scrum-Half, where decision-making and tactical awareness are key.
Action Player: Flanker or Centre, focusing on physicality and execution.
Are You Fast?
Yes: Backs (e.g., Wing, Fullback).
No: Forwards (e.g., Lock, Hooker).
Do You Enjoy Tactical Thinking?
Yes: Fly-Half or Scrum-Half.
No: Flanker or Wing.
Do You Like Leadership Roles?
Yes: Hooker, Number 8, or Fly-Half.
Do You Thrive in Open Play?
Yes: Flanker, Centre, or Fullback.
No: Prop, Lock, or Scrum-Half.
5. Testing the Waters
For newcomers, trying multiple positions in training or matches is the best way to determine what suits you. Coaches often observe your strengths and place you where you’ll have the most impact. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt.
Conclusion
Rugby offers a position for every type of player, from the powerful props to the fleet-footed wings. By understanding the demands of each role and assessing your physical attributes and temperament, you can find the position where you’ll excel.
Rugby’s inclusivity ensures that everyone has a place on the field. Whether you’re tackling in the front row or scoring tries out wide, your unique skills and personality will contribute to the team’s success. Give it a go, and you’ll find your spot in the game we all love.
