All 15 Rugby Positions explained ...
What is the difference between a front row and a forward pack? You will soon know the answer!
Get to know the functions of each position as individuals and as part of the whole.
Players are numbered 1 - 15 (or 23, including the bench) but that's not necessarily the order we suggest watching in, so follow along below for our recommended watching order, or explore the videos in your own way.
Let's learn!
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Forward
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Front row
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Tight-Five
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Forward
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Second row
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Tight-Five
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Forward
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Back row
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Loose Forward
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Back Line
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Half Pairing
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Back Line
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Center Pairing
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Forward
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Front row
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Tight-Five
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Forward
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Second row
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Tight-Five
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Forward
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Back row
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Loose Forward
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Back Line
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Back Three
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Back Line
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Back Three
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Forward
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Front row
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Tight-Five
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Forward
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Back row
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Loose Forward
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Back Line
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Half Pairing
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Back Line
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Center Pairing
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Back Line
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Back Three
FORWARD PLAYERS
Tight - five
UP FIRST, NUMBER ONE & THREE, PROPS
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained - Prop"!
In this educational video, we dive into the vital role of the prop position in Rugby Union. Whether you're a newcomer to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered.
Join us as we explore the responsibilities of the prop during scrums, lineouts, attacking play, rucks, mauls, and defense. By gaining insights into their key contributions, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the prop's impact on the game.
In this tutorial, we break down the intricate details of the prop's role on the field. Discover their positioning, techniques, and tactical decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we provide you with a clear understanding of how props carry out their duties.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or wanting to Learn How to play Prop in Rugby or just Learn How to play Rugby in general. By focusing on the prop position, we cater to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking a deeper knowledge of the game.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union that pertain to the prop position. Understanding these regulations will help you appreciate the prop's influence within the team and their role in executing effective strategies.
COMPLETING OUR FRONT ROW, NUMBER TWO, HOOKER
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained - Hooker"! In this informative video, we dive into the integral role of the hooker position in Rugby Union. Whether you're new to the sport or looking to deepen your understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered.
Join us as we explore the responsibilities of the hooker during scrums, lineouts, attacking play, rucks, mauls, and defense. By gaining insights into their crucial contributions, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the hooker's impact on the game.
In this educational tutorial, we break down the intricate details of the hooker's role on the field. Discover their positioning, techniques, and decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we provide you with a clear understanding of how hookers fulfill their responsibilities.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or wanting to Learn how to play Hooker in rugby or just How to play Rugby in general. By focusing on the hooker position, we cater to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking a deeper knowledge of the game.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union that pertain to the hooker position. Understanding these regulations will help you appreciate the hooker's influence within the team and their role in executing effective strategies.
COMPLETING THE TIGHT-FIVE, NUMBER FOUR AND FIVE, LOCKS
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained - Lock"!
In this video, we unravel the crucial role of the lock position in Rugby Union. Whether you're a newcomer to the sport or looking to deepen your understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered.
Join us as we delve into the responsibilities of the lock during scrums, lineouts, attacking play, rucks, mauls, and defense. By gaining insights into their strategic contributions, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the lock's impact on the game.
Throughout this educational video, we break down the intricate details of the lock's role on the field. Explore their positioning, physicality, and tactical decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we provide you with a clear understanding of how locks contribute to the team's performance.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or people looking to learn how to play Lock or people trying to Learn how to play Rugby in general, By focusing on the lock position, we cater to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking a deeper knowledge of the game.
As we navigate the lock's responsibilities, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union that pertain to this position. Understanding these regulations will help you appreciate the lock's impact within the team and their role in executing effective strategies.​
FORWARD PLAYERS
Loose Forwards
USUALLY AT NUMBER SEVEN, OPENSIDE FLANKER
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained - Openside Flanker"!
In this video, we delve into the dynamic role of the openside flanker in Rugby Union. Whether you're a novice to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered. As we explore the openside flanker position, we'll uncover the vital responsibilities this player holds during scrums, lineouts, attacking play, rucks, mauls, and defense. Gain valuable insights into their strategic contributions and the impact they have on shaping the game.
Join us on this educational journey as we break down the intricate details of the openside flanker's role. Discover their unique positioning, movement patterns, and decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we'll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how this player operates on the field.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or looking to Learn how to Play Openside-Flanker or to Learn how to play Rugby in general, By focusing on the openside flanker position, we offer valuable insights to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking to enhance their knowledge.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union specific to the openside flanker, ensuring you grasp the nuances and regulations associated with this position. Understanding the openside flanker's role will allow you to appreciate their impact within the team and the strategies employed to maximize their effectiveness.
UNORIGINALLY NAMED AT NUMBER EIGHT, NUMBER EIGHT
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained - Number 8"!
In this educational video, we delve into the dynamic role of the number 8 position in Rugby Union. Whether you're new to the sport or seeking to expand your understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the responsibilities of the number 8 during scrums, lineouts, attacking play, rucks, mauls, and defense. By gaining insights into their crucial contributions, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the number 8's impact on the game.
In this tutorial, we break down the intricate details of the number 8's role on the field. Discover their positioning, skills, and tactical decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we provide you with a clear understanding of how number 8s excel in various aspects of the game.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union. By focusing on the number 8 position, we cater to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking a deeper knowledge of the game or just motivated to Learn how to play Rugby or How to Play the Number 8 position in Rugby.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union that pertain to the number 8 position. Understanding these regulations will help you appreciate the number 8's influence within the team and their role in executing effective strategies.
QUICK-STEPPING BACK TO NUMBER SIX, BLINDSIDE FLANKER
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained - Blindside Flanker"!
In this video, we delve into the dynamic role of the Blindside flanker in Rugby Union. Whether you're a novice to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered. As we explore the blindside flanker position, we'll uncover the vital responsibilities this player holds during scrums, lineouts, attacking play, rucks, mauls, and defense. Gain valuable insights into their strategic contributions and the impact they have on shaping the game.
Join us on this educational journey as we break down the intricate details of the blindside flanker's role. Discover their unique positioning, movement patterns, and decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we'll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how this player operates on the field.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or looking to Learn how to Play Openside-Flanker or to Learn how to play Rugby in general, By focusing on the blindside flanker position, we offer valuable insights to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking to enhance their knowledge.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union specific to the blindside flanker, ensuring you grasp the nuances and regulations associated with this position. Understanding the blindside flanker's role will allow you to appreciate their impact within the team and the strategies employed to maximize their effectiveness.
BACKLINE PLAYERS
Half Pairing
SMALL BUT MIGHTY AT NUMBER NINE, SCRUM HALF
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained - Scrumhalf"!
In this video, we delve into the dynamic role of the openside flanker in Rugby Union. Whether you're a novice to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered.
As we explore the Scrumhalf position, we'll uncover the vital responsibilities this player holds during scrums, lineouts, attacking play, rucks, mauls, and defense, as wall as the key role of controlling the game. Gain valuable insights into their strategic contributions and the impact they have on shaping the game.
Join us on this educational journey as we break down the intricate details of the scrum-half's role. Discover their unique positioning, movement patterns, and decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we'll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how this player operates on the field.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union specific to the scrum-half, ensuring you grasp the nuances and regulations associated with this position. Understanding the openside flanker's role will allow you to appreciate their impact within the team and the strategies employed to maximize their effectiveness.
THE CONDUCTOR AT TEN, FLY HALF
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby Positions Explained - Fly-half"!
In this video, we delve into the dynamic role of the openside fly-half in Rugby Union. Whether you're a novice to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered.
As we explore the Fly-half position, we'll uncover the vital responsibilities this player holds during scrums, lineouts, attacking play, rucks, mauls, and defense, as wall as the key role of controlling the game. Gain valuable insights into their strategic contributions and the impact they have on shaping the game. '
Join us on this educational journey as we break down the intricate details of the fly-half's role. Discover their unique positioning, movement patterns, and decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we'll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how this player operates on the field.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or looking to Learn how to Play Fly-half or to Learn how to play Rugby in general, By focusing on the openside flanker position, we offer valuable insights to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking to enhance their knowledge.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union specific to the Fly-half, ensuring you grasp the nuances and regulations associated with this position. Understanding the fly-halves role will allow you to appreciate their impact within the team and the strategies employed to maximize their effectiveness.
BACKLINE PLAYERS
Center Pairing
BRAINS AND BRAUN, INSIDE CENTER
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby positions explained - Inside Center!"
In this video, we delve into the dynamic role of the inside-center in Rugby Union. Whether you're a novice to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered.
As we explore the 12 position, we'll uncover how the positions needs to hold the balance between brute power and skillful finesse.
Join us on this educational journey as we break down the intricate details of the inside centers role. Discover their unique positioning, movement patterns, and decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we'll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how this player operates on the field.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or looking to Learn how to Play inside-center or to Learn how to play Rugby in general, By focusing on the Inside-center position, we offer valuable insights to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking to enhance their knowledge.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union specific to the inside-center, ensuring you grasp the nuances and regulations associated with this position. Understanding the Inside-center role will allow you to appreciate their impact within the team and the strategies employed to maximize their effectiveness.
QUICK WITTED OPPORTUNIST, OUTSIDE CENTER
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby positions explained - Outside Center!"
In this video, we delve into the dynamic role of the outside-center in Rugby Union. Whether you're a novice to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered.
As we explore the 13 position, we'll uncover how the positions needs to hold the balance between brute power and skillful finesse.
Join us on this educational journey as we break down the intricate details of the outside centers role. Discover their unique positioning, movement patterns, and decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we'll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how this player operates on the field.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or looking to Learn how to Play inside-center or to Learn how to play Rugby in general, By focusing on the outside-center position, we offer valuable insights to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking to enhance their knowledge.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union specific to the outside-center, ensuring you grasp the nuances and regulations associated with this position. Understanding the outside-center role will allow you to appreciate their impact within the team and the strategies employed to maximize their effectiveness.
BACKLINE PLAYERS
The Back 3
BLINK AND YOU WILL MISS THEM, WINGER
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby positions explained - Wing!"
In this video, we delve into the dynamic role of the Wing in Rugby Union. Whether you're a novice to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered.
As we explore the 11 and 14 position, we'll uncover how the positions needs to hold the balance between attacking and defensive play as well as play a key role in the arial battle.
Join us on this educational journey as we break down the intricate details of the winger's role. Discover their unique positioning, movement patterns, and decision-making processes. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we'll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how this player operates on the field.
Our target audience includes sports enthusiasts and individuals eager to learn more about Rugby Union or looking to Learn how to Play inside-center or to Learn how to play Rugby in general, By focusing on the Inside-center position, we offer valuable insights to beginners while satisfying the curiosity of those seeking to enhance their knowledge.
Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union specific to the wing, ensuring you grasp the nuances and regulations associated with this position. Understanding the wingers role will allow you to appreciate their impact within the team and the strategies employed to maximize their effectiveness.
SAFE AS HOUSES, FULL BACK
Welcome to "Rugby 101: Rugby positions explained - Full Back!"
In this video, we delve into the dynamic role of the Full Back in Rugby Union. Whether you're a novice to the sport or seeking a deeper understanding of this specific position, we've got you covered. Through visual examples and in-depth explanations, we'll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how this player operates on the field.
The Full Back position is often relatively isolated from teammates, even with the help of the wingers, because the area they cover is so large. Particularly on defense where they are expected to do as the name suggests and hang back to cover kicks and be the teams last line of defense. Full backs share a very similar skill sets with Fly Halves, but they play a different managerial role in the team. Whilst the Fly Half manages the game as a whole, they are not well positioned to call the shots in the backfield, so the management of the backfield is usually left to the Full Back.
The 15, along with the 2 Wingers, form what is known as the back 3. The Wingers have to balance their time between standing up in the defensive line, or to fall back to help the Full Back cover the back field, in case of potential kicks, This is usually managed with a game plan and the guidance of the Full back. Full backs have to be equally as comfortable when working alone as when working with teammates. They have to be comfortable being the lone wolf but also know when it is time to work with the pack. They also play key roles on both defense and attack. Though I said 15’s have similar skill sets then 10’s, I would say they are on balance usually more dangerous as running threats in their own right when compared to Fly Halves. The backfield offers a lot of time and space especially when fielding deep kicks and running them back, so it pays to have a player in the 15 position that has the ability to put the opposition under pressure, as both a distributer and a running weapon on counterattack.
Full backs also have the advantage of seeing most of the playing field along with the players in front of them. Their remote position provides them with a wide perspective. So teams are often tempted to convert some of their best play makers and attacking runners into full backs, because it is a position where having that type of player in the role can pay a lot of dividends. But it would be ill advised to have a highly talented attacking player in the position who does not possess the fundamental skills of a full back. These should be non-negotiable or high on the priority list of skills that need to be improved. Full backs need to be strong and safe under the high ball, they need to be adept at being the last line of defense, very good positional awareness and good kicking boot. These are the fundamentals required for the job. If the full back is weak in any of these areas, they can be a big liability to the team. If the Full back is not safe under the high ball, then it is an area in which the opposition can put the team under enormous pressure with relative ease.
Rugby has come to love great attacking Full backs, like Christian Cullen, Israel Dagg, JPR Williams, Gavin Hastings, Jason Robinson. But we would have been robbed of their attacking brilliance from the fullback position if they weren’t trusted to run the back field and if they weren’t safe as houses under the highball. Due to the fundamental importance of the back field needing to be marshalled by a player the team can bank on, to have their backs. Who holds the fort and keeps the other teams kickers honest. So the 15 position offers opportunity to play a big role in counter attack of kicks and counter attack of turn over ball of kicks because the full back is often the player receiving the kicks or next to the player receiving the kick, and of turnover ball because the wide vantage point of the 15 offers the perfect perspective from where to spot opportunities in the defense of their opponents trying to suddenly switch from an attacking structure to a defensive structure.
When the team is in structured attack, the full back can be expected to play a variety of roles. The role generally dictates where they will join the line, if they are seen as more of a dangerous runner and the team would benefit most if they were given as much space as possible, then they would try and place themselves in the wider channels along with the wings and outside centre. If they are seen as an effective playmaker then they are likely to play a secondary play making role along with the fly half.
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Join us on this educational journey as we break down the intricate details of the full back's role. Throughout the video, we highlight the Laws of Rugby Union specific to the full back, ensuring you grasp the nuances and regulations associated with this position. Understanding the wingers role will allow you to appreciate their impact within the team and the strategies employed to maximize their effectiveness.