Rugby Union Positions Explained

A Rugby Union team consists of 15 players split into two groups: 8 forwards (numbers 1–8) and 7 backs (numbers 9–15). Forwards are typically larger and stronger, responsible for winning possession at scrums, lineouts, and breakdowns. Backs are generally faster and more agile, tasked with using that possession to create and finish try-scoring opportunities.

The Forwards (1–8)

1. Loosehead Prop

The loosehead prop packs down on the left-hand side of the front row in the scrum. They provide stability and power, binding onto the hooker with their right arm. Props are the heaviest players on the pitch, often weighing over 120 kg. In the modern game, loosehead props are also expected to carry the ball in the tight, make tackles, and contribute at the breakdown. The “loosehead” name comes from having their left arm (the “loose” side) free in the scrum.

2. Hooker

The hooker packs down in the middle of the front row, between the two props. Their primary roles are to hook the ball back with their feet in the scrum and to throw the ball in at lineouts. Accurate lineout throwing is a crucial skill — a hooker who cannot hit their jumpers consistently costs the team possession. Modern hookers are also dynamic ball carriers and strong defenders around the fringes of the ruck.

3. Tighthead Prop

The tighthead prop packs down on the right-hand side of the front row, with both arms bound (hence “tighthead”). This is considered one of the most technically demanding positions in rugby. The tighthead bears enormous pressure in the scrum, as the opposition loosehead and hooker push against them. A dominant tighthead can destroy the opposition scrum and win penalties. Like all modern props, they are also expected to carry, tackle, and work at rucks.

4. Second Row (Lock)

The number 4 lock packs into the second row of the scrum, binding behind the loosehead prop and hooker. Locks are the tallest players in the team, often standing 2 metres or more. Their height makes them the primary targets at lineout time, where they are lifted by teammates to catch the throw. In the scrum, they provide the driving power behind the front row. Locks also make a huge number of tackles and carry the ball into contact.

5. Second Row (Lock)

The number 5 lock performs the same core role as the number 4 but packs behind the tighthead prop. Together, the two locks form the engine room of the forward pack. In some teams, the 4 and 5 have distinct specialisations — one may focus more on lineout work, the other on carrying and defence — but both must excel at all aspects of forward play.

6. Blindside Flanker

The blindside flanker packs down on the narrow side of the scrum (the side closer to the touchline). Flankers are the workhorses of the forward pack, covering enormous ground in both attack and defence. The blindside flanker is typically the more physical of the two flankers, expected to make big tackles, secure turnovers, and carry powerfully close to the ruck. They are also key lineout jumpers in many teams.

7. Openside Flanker

The openside flanker packs down on the wider side of the scrum. They are usually the team’s best jackal — the player who gets over the ball at the breakdown and competes for turnovers. The openside must be fast, brave, and have exceptional body position to steal the ball legally. Legendary opensides like Richie McCaw and David Pocock defined matches through their ability to win turnovers. The 7 is often the fittest player on the pitch, covering the most distance in a match.

8. Number Eight

The number eight packs at the back of the scrum, controlling the ball at the base. They can pick the ball up from the scrum and drive forward, giving the team a powerful carrying option. Number eights are among the most versatile forwards — they need the power of a lock, the speed of a flanker, and the handling skills of a back. They are central to both attacking and defensive play and frequently feature prominently in the tackle count.

The Backs (9–15)

9. Scrum-Half

The scrum-half is the link between forwards and backs. They feed the ball into the scrum, retrieve it from the back of rucks and mauls, and distribute to the fly-half or back line. A good scrum-half has a fast, accurate pass (particularly the box kick and the spin pass), sharp decision-making, and the ability to snipe around the fringes. Despite being typically the smallest player on the pitch, they must be fearless in defence.

10. Fly-Half (Outside Half / Stand-Off)

The fly-half is the tactical controller of the team. They receive the ball from the scrum-half and decide whether to pass, kick, or run. The fly-half orchestrates the back line, calls attacking plays, and is usually the team’s primary goal-kicker. Elite fly-halves like Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, and Marcus Smith combine game management, creativity, and kicking prowess. It is arguably the most important position on the pitch.

11. Left Wing

The left winger plays on the left side of the back line. Wingers are typically the fastest players in the team and the primary try scorers. Their main job is to finish moves created by the rest of the backline by beating defenders with pace, footwork, or power. Wingers must also be reliable under the high ball, as opposition kicks often target the corners. In defence, they cover the space out wide and sweep behind the back line.

12. Inside Centre

The inside centre (also called “first centre” or “second five-eighth” in New Zealand) plays just outside the fly-half. They are a physical presence in midfield, expected to crash through tackles, make offloads, and create space for the outside backs. The 12 must be strong in defence, often making the most tackles among the backs. They may also act as a second playmaker, taking pressure off the fly-half.

13. Outside Centre

The outside centre plays between the inside centre and the winger. They need a combination of speed, power, and footwork to break the defensive line and create try-scoring opportunities for the winger outside them. The 13 is often the backline’s most elusive runner — a player who can beat defenders one-on-one and deliver the killer pass. Defensively, they must read the opposition’s attacking patterns and shut down the space in the outside channels.

14. Right Wing

The right winger has the same core responsibilities as the left winger but operates on the right side of the pitch. Speed, finishing ability, and composure under pressure are essential. Many of rugby’s all-time greatest try scorers — such as Bryan Habana, Jonah Lomu (though he wore 11), and Shane Williams — played on the wing. The modern winger is also expected to be an effective counter-attacker from deep kicks.

15. Fullback

The fullback is the last line of defence, positioned behind the back line to cover kicks and make try-saving tackles. They must be excellent under the high ball, have a strong boot for clearing kicks, and possess the pace and skill to launch counter-attacks. The best fullbacks — players like Israel Folau, Stuart Hogg, and Damian Willemse — are devastating runners who can turn defence into attack in an instant. The fullback also joins the back line as an extra attacker, often slotting in as a second playmaker.

The Bench

In addition to the starting XV, each team has a bench of up to 8 replacements (numbered 16–23). This typically includes 3 front-row forwards (loosehead prop, hooker, tighthead prop), a lock or back-row forward, and four backs. Substitutions are tactical as well as injury-driven — fresh forwards off the bench can make a huge impact in the final quarter of a match.

Build your dream XV with our Team Builder tool, or explore the Rugby League positions for comparison.