A normal rugby union team formation illustrating each of the positions and their respective numbers.

A rugby union team is made up of 15 players: eight forwards, numbered from 1 to 8; and seven backs, numbered from 9 to 15. Overview See also Playing rugby union A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (plus stoppage time with a short ^[1] Depending upon the competition, there may be up to seven replacements.

Each player has a fixed role with specialist positional skills and each team uses the same formation, with only minor variations; in this respect it is different from both football with its various formations (4-3-3, 3-5-2, etc. Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered In Association football, the formation describes how the players in a team are positioned on the pitch. ) and cricket, where players are commonly moved from one field position to another (e. Cricket is a bat-and-ball team Sport that originated in England and is now played in more than 100 countries g. from silly mid-on to deep cover point).

Early rugby did no more than distinguish in tactics between the great bulk of the players who played as forwards and the relative few who played back defensively as "tends", as in goaltenders. After a while, the attacking or at least counter-attacking possibilities of playing close behind the scrimmage (which later came to be called "scrummage") came to be recognized, and some players stationed themselves between the forwards and tends as "half-tends". It being seen that the players outside scrimmage (the "pack", i. e. the forwards) were not limited to a defensive role, the tends and half-tends were renamed "back" and "half back" positions.

As the game became more sophisticated, backs positioned at different depths (i. e. distances behind the forwards) were further differentiated into half back, three quarters (the fraction 3/4) back, and full back, according to English and Scottish nomenclature, which was eventually adopted worldwide, with the word, 'back," often omitted for brevity from the half back ("half") and three quarters back ("three quarter") names, and "fullback" as a single word.

Overview

Individual players' positions are made clear by the number they wear, as this generally indicates their role on the pitch (unless they are a substitute or have switched position during the match). This means a player does not get a personal squad number for his entire career, as in most American sports or in football. In team Sports the squad number, shirt number, jersey number, sweater number, or uniform number is the Number Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered The International Rugby Board (IRB) has laid down a numbering scheme for international matches, which is adopted at almost all levels of the sport. The International Rugby Board (IRB is the world governing and law-making body for the sport of Rugby union, and previously for Rugby football.

The main role of the forwards is to gain and retain possession of the ball. They take part in set pieces of the scrum and the line-out. Rugby union a scrum is a means of restarting play after a minor infringement A line-out is the means by which in Rugby union, the ball is put back into play after it has gone into touch. Generally, forwards are larger than the backs, and were traditionally stronger but slower and less agile. However, the modern game has seen a change in the athleticism of forwards - many are now just as fast and adept in open play as their counterparts in the backs. Forwards also have a role in ball carrying, but generally do so by driving into the opposing forwards. The Laws of the Game define the terms prop, hooker, locks, flankers and number eights and clearly state that a 3-2-3 or 3-4-1 formation must be used at scrums.

The role of the backs is to take the ball won by the forwards and score points, either by running or kicking the ball. They are usually more agile and faster than forwards, but not as strong. The key attribute for most positions in the back line is pace - however, the various specialist positions also require different skills, for example, the kicking abilities needed by a good flyhalf or fullback. Again, the type of person who would traditionally play in the backs - small, agile, fast - is changing, with the advent of professionalism bringing increased size and strength into the backs.

The following diagram locates the various positions in the 15-man team. All members of the starting 15 wear shirts numbered from 1 to 15 and keyed to their positions (though alternatives exist); these numbers appear on the diagram below. A rugby shirt, often referred to as a jersey, is a Shirt worn by players of Rugby league or Rugby union. A Rugby union team consists of 15 players plus up to seven replacements (depending on the competition The first eight players, known as forwards or the pack, play in the scrum. Rugby union a scrum is a means of restarting play after a minor infringement The remaining seven players play as the backs. *

*{Technically, the number 9 player, the scrum-half, is neither a forward nor a back, but more of a joint, like the hinge between the two. Nevertheless, scrumhalves tend to possess common backline attributes, most often being small and quick, and are often converts from the backline, i. e. former wings, etc. }''

Alternative names for positions

Collective terms for positions

The fly-half is alternatively called the "stand-off half", since they are the half-back that stands off from the scrum rather than close to it. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 In the southern hemisphere, especially in New Zealand, this position is sometimes referred to as 'first five-eighth', or just 'five-eighth' - see below.

The use of the terms 'open' and 'blind' can also be confused. The two flankers are typically arranged so that one binds to the scrum on the open side of the field. This will usually be his position throughout the game, with the other flanker always taking the closed 'blind' side - also called the short side. Rarely these flankers interchange roles, simply taking the left or right side of the scrummage, irrespective of field position.

Centres will always line up as inside and outside centre - it is rare for them to always take left and right positions. For the winger, it is different - he/she will be either on the left or right side, so may be referred to as either the blindside or openside winger, depending on his position for a particular play in the game. Rugby union is a team sport played between two teams of fifteen players Rugby union is a team sport played between two teams of fifteen players

Northern Hemisphere

The IRB standard names tend to reflect Northern Hemisphere usage although flyhalf is still often known as 'outside half' in Britain and 'outhalf' in Ireland.

New Zealand Terms

In New Zealand the fly half is referred to as the first five eighth, implying a slightly deeper position than halfback (the term halfback can cause confusion since some countries use it to refer solely to the scrum half, while other countries apply it to both the scrum half and the fly half) the inside centre as the second five eighth implying a more forward position than a three quarter back and the outside centre as simply "Centre". New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island Flankers may also, though this is more historic usage, be referred to as "wing-forwards" (also an archaic term for an obsolete position associated with the 2-3-2 scrum that was outlawed in the 1930s), or together with the No 8 as "loose-forwards", since they can quickly detach from scrums.

Australian Terms

In Australia, the second row of the scrum are often referred to as both "second row" and "locks". For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The forwards on either side of the locks are known as "flankers" with the No. 8 known as the "No. 8". Australians collectively refer to the flankers and No. 8 as the "back-row", with flankers and No. 8 also often individually called "back-rowers". Props and Hookers are known collectively as "front rowers".

In the backs, the terms often overlap with that of the other code of rugby, rugby league, with fly halves called "5/8s or five-eights" and scrumhalves "halfbacks".

Other languages

Many rugby union players in South Africa are native Afrikaans speakers, and use positional terms unique to that language, although in many cases the terms are a literal translation from the English. Afrikaans is an Indo-European language, derived from 17th century Dutch and classified as Low Franconian Germanic, mainly spoken in In South America, a combination of Spanish and English position names is used. South America is a Continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a

Backs

15. Fullback

The full back stands back to cover defensive options as a 'sweeper' behind the main line of defence removed from the other backs principally to field any opposition kicks. As the last line of defence, good tackling skills are desirable.

They have to catch the high kicks referred to as "up and unders", "Garryowens" or "bombs". An up and under is a type of kick in various codes of Football. Garryowen Football Club', usually referred to as Garryowen, is a Rugby union club in Limerick, Republic of Ireland, founded in 1884 An up and under is a type of kick in various codes of Football. Having taken a catch, the full back may choose to return the kick, and so good tactical awareness and kicking skills are required. Increasingly often, full backs are used to start counter-attacking moves from depth. Thus, they need to have excellent attacking skills, pace and open field running prowess. In attack, the full back generally joins the three-quarter line between the outside centre and the openside wing, providing the attacking team with an extra outside back.

Fullbacks in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Serge Blanco (France), Don Clarke (New Zealand), Gavin Hastings (Scotland and Lions), Andy Irvine (Scotland and Lions), Tom Kiernan (Ireland and Lions), George Nepia (New Zealand), and JPR Williams (Wales and Lions). Serge Blanco (born 31 August 1958 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a former Rugby union footballer who played for Biarritz Olympique and France The France national rugby union team represents France in Rugby union. Donald Barry Clarke (10 November 1933&ndash29 December 2002 was a New Zealand Rugby union player who played 89 times (31 of these were test matches as an All Black The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Andrew Gavin Hastings OBE (born 3 January 1962 in Edinburgh) is a former Scottish Rugby Union player The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international Rugby union. The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Andrew Robertson "Andy" Irvine (born 16 September 1951 is a former President of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU and a former Scottish international The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international Rugby union. The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Thomas Joseph Kiernan (born 7 January 1939 is a former Ireland international Rugby union player. The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from George Nepia (25 April 1905 &mdash 27 June 1986 was a Māori Rugby union and Rugby league player The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. John Peter Rhys Williams (born 2 March 1949 in Cardiff, Wales known universally as J The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from

See also: Fullback (rugby)

Three-quarters

14. A fullback is a defensive position in rugby. In both Rugby union and Rugby league codes teams usually play with a single full back and 11. Wing

The wings act as "finishers" on movements by scoring tries. The idea is that space should be created by the forwards and backs inside the wingers so that once they receive the ball, they have a clear run for the try-line. Wings are almost always the quickest members of the team, but also need to be able to side step and otherwise avoid opponents in order to score tries. In modern games, wingers often "come off the wing" to provide extra men in the midfield, in the same vein as a full back, particularly if play has moved away from their wing. Traditionally, wingers are small and fast but since the game became professional (and largely due to Jonah Lomu), wingers are often as big as forwards. Jonah Tali Lomu, MNZM (born 12 May 1975 is a New Zealand Rugby union footballer Wingers of this variety are often used as extra flankers to gain the "hard yards" by carrying the ball directly into contact with opponents, gaining ground slowly through phased play.

Wingers often act as additional full backs on opposition kicks. In addition to this responsibility, they must get back from an opposition kick to give the full back options on either side. The modern game means that the back three tend to act as a unit in fielding kicks and counterattacking, rather than all responsibility lying with the full back. Wingers need to have all the skills of a full back, though the emphasis would be on attack rather than defence. As such, many players are as competent on the wing as at full back.

A common tactic is to have the winger receive the ball and then cut towards the centre of the pitch. This changes the direction of play, which may catch the opposition off guard, or may create space for the outside centre to receive a switch pass or "scissors pass".

A modern use of the wing is as a link player. They retain all the traditional skills of a wing, but are able to combine these with skills more traditionally associated with half backs. As the play goes through multiple phases, the scrum-half or fly-half may be taken out of the play. If this occurs the blind side wing can step in to perform a creative role. Good examples of players filling this role include Austin Healey, Breyton Paulse, Shane Williams and more recently Sitiveni Sivivatu. Austin Sean Healey (born 26 October, 1973 in Wallasey, Merseyside) is an English Rugby union footballer who played as a utility Breyton Paulse (born 25 April 1976 in Koue Bokkeveld is a South African Rugby union player who has played at wing for the national Shane Mark Williams (born 26 February 1977 in Swansea) is a Welsh Rugby union player who plays as a for the Ospreys Sitiveni Waica Sivivatu (born 19 April 1982 in Suva, Fiji) is a New Zealand Rugby union footballer more specifically

Wings in the International Rugby Hall of Fame are: André Boniface (France), David Campese (Australia), Gerald Davies (Wales and Lions), Ieuan Evans (Wales and Lions), John Kirwan (New Zealand), Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), and Tony O'Reilly (Ireland and Lions). André Boniface (born August 14 1934 in Montfort-en-Chalosse) is a former international Rugby union player for France. The France national rugby union team represents France in Rugby union. David Ian Campese (born 21 October 1962 in Queanbeyan from an Italian father and an Australian mother The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. Thomas Gerald Reames Davies CBE (born 7 February 1945 in Llansaint) is one of the acknowledged greats of Welsh rugby, playing for the side between 1966 The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Ieuan Evans (born 21 March 1964 in Pontarddulais, Wales is a former Rugby union footballer who played on the wing for Wales. The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from John James Patrick Kirwan ONZM MBE (born 16 December 1964 is a New Zealand born Rugby union footballer turned coach The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Jonah Tali Lomu, MNZM (born 12 May 1975 is a New Zealand Rugby union footballer The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Sir Anthony Joseph Francis O'Reilly PhD often known simply as "Tony O'Reilly" born 7 May 1936 is a Dublin -born billionaire who holds both Irish and British The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from

See also: Winger (sport)

13. In certain sports such as football, Field hockey, Ice hockey, handball, Rugby union, and Rugby league, the term winger Outside centre & 12. Inside centre

Centres need to have a strong all-round game: they need to be able to break through opposition lines and pass the ball accurately. When attack turns into defence they need to be strong in the tackle. Usually the two centres are divided into outside centre and inside centre, though sometimes teams play with left and right centres.

The inside centre is typically bigger and more creative than the outside centre. In defence or attack, the inside centre is always in the thick of the action, drawing the opposition's defence, making the breaks to make the space for the outside centre and dishing out the tackles in defence along with the forwards. Some of the skills of the fly-half, such as distribution and kicking, can be advantageous to inside centres, as they may be expected to act as fly-halves if the normal fly-half is involved in a ruck or maul.

The outside centre tends to be the faster, nippier of the two centres. They are the "rapiers" that are given the ball, normally via the fly half, or inside centre to make breaks through the opposition backs before offloading to the wingers after drawing the last line of defence. Good size and tackle breaking skills are very important for outside centres to have. They may also need to be very aggressive in defence, especially when a team is using a rush up style defence.

Centres in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: André Boniface (France), Danie Gerber (South Africa), Mike Gibson (Ireland and Lions), Tim Horan (Australia), Jo Maso (France), Gwyn Nicholls (Wales and Lions), Tony O'Reilly (Ireland and Lions), and Philippe Sella (France). André Boniface (born August 14 1934 in Montfort-en-Chalosse) is a former international Rugby union player for France. The France national rugby union team represents France in Rugby union. Danie Gerber (born 14 April 1958 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa is a former South African Rugby union player who played for South Africa between 1980 The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Tim Horan (born 18 May 1970 is a former Australian Rugby union footballer The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. Jo Maso (born 27 December 1944 in Perpignan, France is a former Rugby union and Rugby league footballer who played for Narbonne, Toulonnais The France national rugby union team represents France in Rugby union. Erith Gwyn Nicholls (July 15 1874 - March 24 1939 was a Welsh Rugby union player who gained 24 caps for Wales as a centre The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Sir Anthony Joseph Francis O'Reilly PhD often known simply as "Tony O'Reilly" born 7 May 1936 is a Dublin -born billionaire who holds both Irish and British The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Philippe Sella (born 14 February 1962 in Tonneins) is a French former rugby union player who until recently held the record for most international appearances in The France national rugby union team represents France in Rugby union.

Half-backs

10. Fly-half

The fly-half position is a portmanteau of flying half back. This position is one of the most influential on the pitch. The fly-half makes key tactical decisions during a game — whether to kick for space or tactical advantage, move the ball to his outside backs, return the ball to his forwards to drive on to or run with the ball himself. An ideal fly-half should be a fast and deceptive runner, be able to make decisions quickly, direct the backline on defence and attack, have excellent kicking and handling skills and the ability to cope under pressure. Strong leadership skills are crucial for this position, as well as strong defensive skills.

Games are rarely won on tries alone, and a fly-half who is also the goal kicker (which is often the case) can be the most important player in the side.

Fly-halves in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Phil Bennett (Wales and Lions), Naas Botha (South Africa), Mark Ella (Australia), Grant Fox (New Zealand), Barry John (Wales and Lions), Jack Kyle (Ireland and Lions), Michael Lynagh (Australia), Cliff Morgan (Wales and Lions), Bennie Osler (South Africa), and Hugo Porta (Argentina). Phillip Bennett (born 24 October 1948 was a Welsh international Rugby union fly half from 1969 to 1978 The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Hendrik Egnatius Botha, commonly known as Naas Botha (born 27 February 1958 is a Northern Transvaal and Springboks former Rugby union player The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko Mark Gordon Ella (born 5 June 1959 in La Perouse Sydney is an Indigenous Australian former Rugby union player often considered as one of his country's all-time The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. Grant James Fox (born 6 June 1962 in New Plymouth) is former Rugby union player from New Zealand The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Barry John (born 6 January 1945 in Cefneithin, Wales is a former Welsh Rugby union footballer The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from John Wilson Kyle (born 10 January 1926 Belfast, Northern Ireland) commonly referred to as Jack Kyle or Jackie Kyle, is a former Rugby The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Michael Lynagh (born 25 October 1963 is an Australian Rugby union footballer who was a fly-half. The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. Cliff Morgan (born 7 April 1930 at Trebanog, Rhondda) is a former Welsh Rugby union player who played for Cardiff RFC and earned 29 caps for The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Benjamin Louwrens Osler (23 November 1901 – 28 April 1962 was a Rugby union footballer who played internationally for South Africa. The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko Hugo Porta (born 11 September 1951 in Buenos Aires) is a former Argentine Rugby Union footballer an International Rugby Hall of Fame inductee and arguably The Argentina national rugby team, nicknamed Los Pumas, represents Argentina in international Rugby union matches

9. Scrum-half

Scrum halves form the all-important link between the forwards and the backs, and are invariably at the centre of the action. A scrum half is normally relatively small but with a high degree of vision, the ability to react to situations very quickly, and good handling skills, as well as the ability to spin the ball with great ease off both hands.

They are often the first tackler in defence and are behind every scrum, maul or ruck to get the ball out and maintain movement. Rugby union a scrum is a means of restarting play after a minor infringement Overview See also Playing rugby union A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (plus stoppage time with a short Overview See also Playing rugby union A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (plus stoppage time with a short They put the ball into the scrum and collect it afterwards; they also are allowed to stand further forward than other backs at a line-out to try to catch knock downs from the jumper. A line-out is the means by which in Rugby union, the ball is put back into play after it has gone into touch.

It is also not unusual to have talkative scrum-halves in competitive situations. Though technically illegal, most scrum-halves will subtly alert the referee to fouls and infringements committed by the opposing team.

Scrum-halves in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Ken Catchpole (Australia), Danie Craven (South Africa), Gareth Edwards (Wales and Lions), Nick Farr-Jones (Australia) and Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa). Ken Catchpole (born in Paddington in 1939 is a former Australian Rugby union footballer The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. Daniël Hartman Craven (11 October 1910 Lindley Free State, South Africa died 4 January 1993 Stellenbosch, South Africa more famously known as Danie Craven The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko Gareth Owen Edwards CBE (born 12 July 1947 in Pontardawe, Wales is a former Welsh Rugby union footballer who played scrum-half, considered by The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Nicholas Campbell Farr-Jones (born 18 April 1962 in Caringbah, New South Wales) is a former Australian Rugby union footballer The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. Joost van der Westhuizen (born 20 February 1971 is a former South African Rugby union footballer who was the Springboks' first choice in the mid-to-late 1990s The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko Craven and Edwards are also members of the IRB Hall of Fame. The IRB Hall of Fame is a Hall of fame operated by the International Rugby Board (IRB that recognises special achievement and contribution to the sport of Rugby

Forwards

Front row

1. Loosehead prop & 3. Tighthead prop

The role of both the loose- and tighthead props is to support the hooker in the scrum and to provide effective, dynamic support for the jumpers in the line-out. Scrum (an abbreviated form of scrummage, which is now rarely used in the sports of Rugby union and Rugby league, is a way of restarting the game either A line-out is the means by which in Rugby union, the ball is put back into play after it has gone into touch. Along with the second row, the props provide the main power in the push forward in the scrum. For this reason they are usually the strongest and heaviest players in the team. Under modern rules non-specialists are not allowed to play as props (or hooker) as specialist skills are required to ensure the scrum does not collapse, a situation which can be very dangerous sometimes resulting in crushing or breaking of the neck and spine. Scrum (an abbreviated form of scrummage, which is now rarely used in the sports of Rugby union and Rugby league, is a way of restarting the game either If there are not enough props or hookers on either team (and no replacements are available), uncontested scrums will be set.

A tighthead prop is so called because they pack down on the right-hand side of the scrum and so (because the players engage to the left of their opponents) their head fits between the opposing loosehead prop and hooker. In contrast, the loosehead prop packs down on the left-hand side where their head is outside that of the opposing tighthead prop. Although it may look to the neutral observer that the two positions are quite similar (and some players have the ability to play on both sides of the scrum), the technical challenges of each are quite different. Jason Leonard (England and Lions) and Gethin Jenkins (Wales and Lions) are rare in being able to prop on either side at the top level. Jason Leonard OBE (born Barking, Essex, 14 August 1968 also known as "The Fun Bus" is an English former Rugby union, who held the The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union. The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Gethin Jenkins (born 17 November 1980) was educated at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive school in Beddau. The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from

The laws of the game require the tighthead prop to bind with his right arm outside the left upper arm of his opposing loosehead prop and similarly they restrict what the loosehead prop can do with his left arm. Although the scrum half may put the ball in on either side of the scrum, he is unlikely to choose the tighthead side because otherwise the opposing hooker would be between him or her and his or her own hooker. Hence, the laws implicitly require the loosehead prop to be on the left side of the scrum.

Props are also in the position of being able to direct the movement of the scrum in moving side to side to prevent the other team's scrum from "wheeling" the set scrum and forcing another "put in" from the opposing side.

Outside of the scrum and line-outs Props use their great strength and weight to win rucks and mauls for their teams and to make large drives forwards with the ball.

Props in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Jason Leonard (England and Lions), Syd Millar (Ireland and Lions) and Wilson Whineray (New Zealand). Jason Leonard OBE (born Barking, Essex, 14 August 1968 also known as "The Fun Bus" is an English former Rugby union, who held the The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union. The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Sydney "Syd" Millar, (born 23 May 1934 CBE MBE, is the outgoing chairman of the International Rugby Board. The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Sir Wilson James Whineray, KNZM, OBE, (born 10 July 1935 is a former captain of the All Blacks, New Zealand's national Rugby union team The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Whineray is also a member of the IRB Hall of Fame.

2. Hooker

Hookers are a key position in attacking and defensive play. The name is derived from the fact that hookers use their feet to 'hook' the ball in the scrum; because of the pressure put on the body by the scrum it is considered to be one of the most dangerous positions to play. Scrum (an abbreviated form of scrummage, which is now rarely used in the sports of Rugby union and Rugby league, is a way of restarting the game either Scrum (an abbreviated form of scrummage, which is now rarely used in the sports of Rugby union and Rugby league, is a way of restarting the game either They also normally throw the ball in at line-outs. A line-out is the means by which in Rugby union, the ball is put back into play after it has gone into touch. Hookers have more in common with back row forwards than props or locks only during line-outs as they have a roving role at line-outs. A line-out is the means by which in Rugby union, the ball is put back into play after it has gone into touch. Hookers typically are a key player in the scrum as they are the main force pushing and resisting, although some teams give the responsibility to the props. In addition, hookers may act as an extra prop in the scrum, instead of contesting the feed, to wreak havoc on opposition feeds.

The hooker is assisted by the props in scrums and often leads a ruck. In defensive play, the hooker will regularly be the main attacker in most open-ended plays. In more complicated moves, the Hooker may remain a defence for the backs. Hookers are usually the leaders in most attacking moves and tend to control the forwards.

Hookers in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand) and Keith Wood (Ireland and Lions). Sean Brian Thomas Fitzpatrick (born 4 June 1963 in Auckland) is a former Rugby union footballer who represented New Zealand, and is widely regarded The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Keith Gerard Mallinson Wood (born 27 January 1972 Killaloe County Clare) and educated at St Munchin's College, Limerick is a former international rugby union The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from

4. & 5. Lock

Locks are almost always the tallest players on the team and so are the primary targets at line-outs. A line-out is the means by which in Rugby union, the ball is put back into play after it has gone into touch. At line-outs, locks must jump aggressively, usually being lifted by team-mates, to catch the ball and get it to the scrum half or at least get the first touch so that the ball comes down on their own side. A line-out is the means by which in Rugby union, the ball is put back into play after it has gone into touch.

The two locks stick their heads between the two props and the hooker in the scrums. Scrum (an abbreviated form of scrummage, which is now rarely used in the sports of Rugby union and Rugby league, is a way of restarting the game either They are also responsible for keeping the scrum square and the front row together and providing power to shift it forward. (This position is referred to as the "engine room". )

Locks are very tall, athletic and have an excellent standing jump along with good strength. They also make good ball carriers, bashing holes in the defence around the ruck and maul. They also have to push the rucks and mauls and are the main figures of rucks and mauls.

Locks in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Bill Beaumont (England and Lions), Gordon Brown (Scotland and Lions), Frik du Preez (South Africa), John Eales (Australia), Martin Johnson (England and Lions), Brian Lochore (New Zealand), Willie John McBride (Ireland and Lions), and Colin Meads (New Zealand). William "Bill" Blackledge Beaumont CBE (born 9 March 1952 Chorley, Lancashire, England was captain of the England rugby union team The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union. The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Gordon Lamont Brown (1 November 1947 - 19 March 2001 was a Scottish international Rugby union footballer The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international Rugby union. The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Frik du Preez (born Frederick Christoffel Hendrik du Preez on 28 November 1935 is a former Northern Transvaal and Springboks Rugby union player The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko John Eales AM (born 27 June 1970 is a former Australian Rugby union footballer and arguably the most successful captain in the history of Australian Rugby. The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. Martin Osborne Johnson CBE (born 9 March 1970 is a former Rugby union footballer who represented and captained England and Leicester. The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union. The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Sir Brian James Lochore, ONZ, KNZM, OBE (born 3 September 1940 in Masterton New Zealand) is a former Rugby union footballer and coach The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. William James McBride MBE, better known as Willie John McBride (born 6 June 1940 Toomebridge, County Antrim) is a former Rugby union The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Colin Earl Meads, DCNZM, MBE (born 3 June 1936 in Cambridge New Zealand) nicknamed "Pinetree" is a former New Zealand Rugby union The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Eales is also a member of the IRB Hall of Fame.

Back row

6. Blindside flanker & 7. Openside flanker

Main article: Flanker (rugby union)

Flanker is a fairly dynamic position with the fewest set responsibilities during the game. Flanker is one of fifteen positions in the sport of Rugby union. It is their responsibility to clear up messy balls to start a new phase of play, meaning they play a major role in maintaining/gaining possession after handling errors.

In the scrum, flankers do less pushing than the tight five, but they have to break away quickly and attempt to tackle the opposing backs if the opposition wins the scrum; and to cover their own half backs if they win the scrum. Due to their role in the scrum, flankers should be fairly heavy whilst still having speed and power.

Considering how dynamic this position is, flankers can adapt slightly to their own style of play; for example, they can become big figures in tackling and mauls, or use their speed to run with the backs for tactical manoeuvres.

Flankers in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Dave Gallaher (New Zealand), Michael Jones (New Zealand), Ian Kirkpatrick (New Zealand), Graham Mourie (New Zealand), Francois Pienaar (South Africa), Jean Prat (France), Jean-Pierre Rives (France), Fergus Slattery (Ireland and Lions), and Wavell Wakefield (England). for other people called David/Dave Gallagher/Gallaher see Gallagher David "Dave" Gallaher (30 October 1873 – 4 October The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Michael Niko Jones (born 8 April 1965 in Auckland, New Zealand is a former Rugby union player and coach The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Ian Andrew Kirkpatrick (born 24 May 1946 in Gisborne) is a New Zealand Rugby union player who was captain of the All Blacks. The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Graham Neil Kenneth Mourie (born 8 September 1952 in Opunake Taranaki New Zealand is a former New Zealand All Black and coach of the Hurricanes. The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Jacobus Francois Pienaar (born 2 January 1967 in Vereeniging, South Africa captained and played for the South African Springboks national Rugby union The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko Jean Prat (1 August 1923 &ndash 25 February 2005 was French Rugby union footballer The France national rugby union team represents France in Rugby union. Jean-Pierre Rives (born 31 December 1952 is a French former Rugby union player who won 59 caps for France as a flanker. The France national rugby union team represents France in Rugby union. John Fergus Slattery (born 12 February 1949 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland is a former Rugby union footballer who represented Ireland. The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Sir William Wavell Wakefield 1st Baron Wakefield of Kendal (10 March 1898 Beckenham -12 August 1983 was a Rugby union player for Harlequins and England The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union.

8. Number eight

Number eight is the only position that does not have a specific name in English and is simply referred to as 'number eight'. The modern number eight has the physical strength of a tight forward along with the mobility and pace of other loose forwards (he is often the fastest loose forward in the pack). The number eight packs down at the rear of the scrum, controlling the movement of the ball to the scrum-half with his feet. The number 8 is the position where the ball enters the backline from the scrum and, hence, both fly half and inside centre take their lead from the number 8 who, as the hindmost player in the scrum, can elect to pick and run with the ball like a back. As a result, the number 8 has similar opportunities to a back to run from set plays.

They are normally tall and athletic and used as an option to win the ball from the back of the lineout. Like flankers they do less of the pushing than locks or props, but need to be quick to cover opposition half-backs. A number eight should be a key ball-winner in broken play, and occasionally a 'battering ram' at the front of rucks; he should also be able to break the opposition's line like his blindside flanker counterpart and the centres.

Number eights in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include: Mervyn Davies (Wales and Lions), Morne du Plessis (South Africa), Brian Lochore (New Zealand) and Hennie Muller (South Africa). Thomas Mervyn Davies (born 1946 in Swansea) is a former Welsh Rugby union player who won 38 caps for Wales as a No The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from Morne du Plessis (born 21 October 1949 in Krugersdorp, Transvaal Province, now Gauteng) is a former South African Rugby union player The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko Sir Brian James Lochore, ONZ, KNZM, OBE (born 3 September 1940 in Masterton New Zealand) is a former Rugby union footballer and coach The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Hendrik "Hennie" Scholtz Vosloo Muller (born 26 March 1922 in Witbank) is a former South African Rugby union footballer The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko

See also

• Rugby union numbering schemes
• List of footballers (rugby union) (in alphabetical order)
• List of footballers (rugby union) by country
• International Rugby Hall of Fame
• Rugby league positions

References

External links

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/rules_and_equipment/6332057.stm
• Country by country list of the names of player positions
• http://www.sarfu.org.za/default.asp?cId=7534&print=yes