All 15 Rugby Positions explained ...

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.

​

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.