Explore the rugby positions and learn the role, responsibilities, and characteristics of each.
There are certainly no hard-and-fast rules that tie a player to a particular position. While some positions may naturally suit certain body types or skill sets, players often develop into different roles as they grow and gain experience.
- Below is a general introduction to the positions in rugby and the characteristics commonly associated with each.
- Click on the blue headers below for a visual of each position and where they fit on the field.
- Use the drop-down menu below the graphic to explore each position in more detail, including position guides, coaching tips, and instructional videos.
Props are the cornerstone of the scrum. Broad shoulders, strength, and a love of physical contact are valuable assets in this position. Props provide stability in the scrum, carry the ball into contact, and help secure possession at rucks and mauls.
The hooker plays a crucial role in winning possession at both scrums and lineouts. They throw the ball into lineouts and "hook" the ball back in scrums. Accuracy, timing, strength, and a competitive spirit are key traits for successful hookers. Broad-shouldered, strong and fiesty are certainly important characteristics to have as a hooker.
Locks are typically among the tallest players on the field. Their primary responsibilities include winning lineout ball, securing restarts, and providing power in scrums, rucks, and mauls. Height, athleticism, mobility, and strong catching skills are major advantages.
Flankers are often the team's workhorses. Their job is to win possession, make tackles, support teammates, and compete aggressively at the breakdown. Speed, strength, endurance, courage, and a relentless work ethic are essential qualities.
The No. 8 combines the power of a forward with many of the skills of a back. They control the ball at the base of the scrum, carry strongly in open play, link forwards and backs, and provide leadership on the field - a good communicator. Attack and defend aggressively. Good handling skills, spatial awareness, power, and acceleration are all important.
The scrumhalf is the vital link between the forwards and backs. Much of the team's tempo and decision-making flows through this position, like whether to distribute quick ball to the backs or keep it close to the forwards or perhaps kick.Scrumhalves need quick hands, excellent passing and kicking skills, speed, confidence, communication skills, and a strong understanding of the game.
Often compared to a quarterback, the flyhalf directs the team's attack. Receiving the ball from the scrumhalf, they must quickly decide whether to pass, kick, run, or create opportunities for teammates. Vision, creativity, tactical awareness, communication skills, and composure under pressure are hallmarks of great flyhalves. Ability to kick well out of hand, ideally with either foot, is a valuable asset for a fly-half. However, kicking responsibilities are not exclusive to the position. Depending on the strengths of the players available, duties such as kicking for touch from penalties, tactical kicking, conversions, and penalty goals may be shared with—or handled entirely by—any player on the field who possesses the necessary skill, accuracy, and confidenc
Centres play a key role in both attack and defense. They combine speed, power, and skill to break through defenses while also making crucial tackles. Strong ball-carrying ability, defensive intensity, creativity, and physicality make for effective centres. There are subtle differences between the 12 & 13 centers discussed more in detail here.
Wings are often the fastest players on the field. Their primary role is to finish attacking opportunities and score tries, but they must also be reliable defenders. Pace, agility, strength, awareness, and good handling skills are all valuable attributes.
The fullback is the team's last line of defense and often its first line of attack. Fullbacks field kicks, organize defensive coverage, launch counterattacks, and join the attacking line when opportunities arise. Confidence under the high ball, strong kicking skills, pace, tackling ability, and excellent game awareness are essential for this position.