RUGBY POSITIONS EXPLAINED - GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR PERFECT POSITION IN RUGBY UNION
Published: 29/08/2025, Written by Will Sendel
Looking to find where you fit on the rugby pitch, or hoping for a better understanding of how the game’s played? It’s a unique sport, where there’s appreciation for different body types; you’re just as valuable if you’re built for hard hits as you are if you have lightning pace. From the outside, chasing an egg-shaped ball can look chaotic. But once you wrap your head around what each player is trying to do, the tactics start making sense. Here’s our breakdown of the 15 positions in Rugby Union – and how they work together for success.
In rugby, you don’t get to choose your shirt number based on personal preference. The starting lineup is always numbered 1 to 15, and they are tied to specific positions. It’s a safety measure. Because set-pieces are so physical, referees and coaches need to know who is trained for the most demanding areas just by looking at the back of their top.
Your number maps out your time on the pitch. It tells your role exactly, where you stand at a lineout and how much heavy grafting you’re going to put in. Whether you’re getting ready to put on your own boots, or want to understand the next match you watch; here is how a team builds from front to back
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FORWARDS
On a rugby pitch, you can break the players down into two positional groups: the forwards and the backs. The forwards are typically the biggest, strongest players on the team, using their power to win possession. They make up the scrums. This is where they come together in formation and push against the opposition's forwards. If you're built for the physical side of the game, this is your starting point. The eight players that make up forwards are broken down below:
1&3 – LOOSEHEAD AND TIGHTHEAD PROPS
Wearing numbers ‘1’ and ‘3’ on their shirts, props are very much make-or-break for success. Along with the hooker (more on their job later), they form the core of the scrum, meaning it's down to them to keep it stable. Though they play similar roles, the loosehead prop will be on the left of the hooker with their head outside the scrum, whereas the tighthead will be on the right with their head in it. You are going to need neck strength, and big shoulders, and big legs; oh and you might end up with cauliflower ears!
Outside of the scrum, these roles demand an incredible amount of brute force, including lifting the jumper during a lineout.
There's no hiding place in these positions; you can expect some collisions as a prop. But if you’re defined by your power and bravery, are willing to act as a battering ram in attacking play and thrive in the heat of battle, being a prop might be for you.
2 - HOOKER
As mentioned earlier, the hooker will find themselves between the props, acting as the scrum’s tactician. Their task? To hook the ball back through the props’ legs and win possession in the scrum. They’ll also take the lead in lineouts, throwing the ball into play for their side.
Again, it’s a role that will ask a lot of your physical and mental strength - you can expect bumps and bruises, not to mention self-sacrifice in taking crash passes. If you’ve got a mind for planning, and have the power to match it, then consider playing hooker.
4&5 – LOCKS
The locks - often called the second row - are the engine room of the scrum.
Typically, it’s a role that demands height and power, binding the gap between the front row and other forwards to create a cohesive scrum. In open play they have an all-round role, making tackles one minute and carrying the ball the next. At lineouts they’re the targets for the hooker, using that height and strength we discussed earlier to make make possession.
It’s an ideal position for all-round team players. Whether it’s attacking play, scrum work, lineout target or organisational skills, you can expect to see it all as one of the locks.
6 & 7 – BLIND-SIDE AND OPEN-SIDE FLANKER
On the pitch, you’ll find two flankers either side of the scrum. Instead of sticking to a fixed left or right side, they switch depending on where the scrum is taking place. The blind-side flanker (number 6) takes the narrow side closest to the touchline, while the open-side flanker (number 7) covers the wider area with more open space.
You need brilliant fitness to play here. Their job is to put in endless tackles, slow down the opposition’s ball, and clear out rucks to win possession. If you love non-stop running and getting stuck into collisions, this is the position for you.
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8 – NUMBER EIGHT
The bridge between the forwards and the backs, the number eight is asked to do it all. They carry the ball forward, put in big tackles, secure possession, and control the scrum. They are the only forward on the pitch allowed to pick the ball up directly from its base to launch an immediate attack.
It’s a role that requires skill and fitness; to be involved in everything on a matchday. If you’re all action, all the time, this is where you belong.
BACKS
The backs are the ones who use possession to move the team down the pitch. Sitting behind the pack, this group includes your main kickers, playmakers, and fastest ball carriers. Their job is to create space and move the ball. After that, they finish off chances to score the points. Don’t think they get an easy ride when it comes to defending! They cover the widest parts of the field; the backs put in massive tackles in open space and sprint back to save a try if the opposition breaks through.
9 - SCRUM-HALF
Typically one of the smallest, nippiest players on the pitch, the scrum-half is the beating heart of a rugby team with an exceptional mind for the game. As with many other players on the pitch their role is varied, but everything they do will be underpinned by the ability to make the right decisions in a split second every time.
With that decision-making, you’ll need an exceptional passing ability to play your role well. From kicking out from behind a ruck to finding the fly-half (more on them in a moment), making the right choice under pressure is essential if you want to succeed as a number nine.
10 – FLY-HALF
Many argue that nobody has more influence on the game. The brains of the attack and the tactical mindset. They start the attacks, dictate the pace of the game, control the ball; all while (normally) kicking for touch and ensuring other players in the back get good service.
If you thrive under pressure as a leader, have an incredible mind for tactics and boast the physical skills to match that brain, then taking on the responsibility of fly- half might be your calling. It’s not an easy role to undertake, But if you can juggle the tasks, you may well decide the game win the game for your team.
11 & 14 - LEFT AND RIGHT WINGER
The winger position is built for you if you have explosive pace and love scoring.
Positioned out wide on the pitch, the wingers can be considered the finishers of the team, using their acceleration, pace and footwork to evade tackles. That speed is put to good use defensively, too, with wingers being asked to race back to put challenges in and stop the opposition’s attack.
If you are packed with quickness, consider pulling on a winger's number. Trust us - your teammates will thank you for it.
12 & 13 – INSIDE AND OUTSIDE CENTRE
Just behind the fly-half, the centres play a key role in the middle of the pitch. In attack, they’re strong runners with an eye for exploiting gaps in the opposition. Defensively, they’re accomplished tacklers with good firm understanding of when to throw themselves in.
In the modern game, the inside centre (number 12) is usually the powerhouse, making string, direct runs. That leaves the outside centre (number 13) to dictate and create in the open space. Expect him to regularly provide the final pass before a try.
15 – FULL-BACK
As the final line of defence, the full-back acts as a sweeper. Catching and kicking ability are crucial, both to stop the team from conceding and to launch counter attacks, as well as picking and choosing moments to join the moves during attacks.
It’s a role that comes with a lot of pressure. If you fumble the ball, there’s a strong chance of gifting points away. But it’s the perfect position to play if you can handle those big moments.
Wherever you’re playing, you’ll need to keep your wits about you to master your game. With the Rugby World Cup offering non-stop excitement, there’s never been a better time to start (or restart) your rugby, whether you’re having a casual game or battling it out for a trophy. And from the perfect boots to protective gear, you’ll find everything you need to support your journey at Sports Direct.
Make the position your own.
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