# Rugby Positions Explained: A Complete Guide to Numbers 1-15 **By Adam Clark** · 2023-05-25 Rugby is built around the idea that every body type has a position. Props, locks, flankers, scrum halves, wingers — each role demands a different set of physical attributes and skills. Understanding what each player does makes the game significantly easier to follow, whether you're new to rugby or choosing a position to play yourself. The 15 players on a rugby team split into two groups: the forwards (1-8) and the backs (9-15). ![Rugby Union Positions](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1227/8086/files/Positions_Graphic_1_600x600.webp?v=1685029267) ## The Forwards (1-8) Forwards do the physically demanding work. Scrums, lineouts, rucks, mauls, carrying into contact — this is their domain. They tend to be bigger and stronger than backs, though modern rugby demands that forwards can handle the ball and cover ground too. [Rugby boots for forwards](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/rugby-boots-for-forwards) prioritise grip and stability over speed — screw-in studs for soft ground, and a more robust build for the demands of contact play. * * * ### 1\. Loosehead Prop The loosehead prop (number 1) sits on the left of the front row in the scrum, with their head on the outside — hence loosehead. Along with the tighthead prop and hooker, they form the scrum's front row and take most of the physical load when the two packs engage. Props need exceptional strength through the neck, shoulders, and legs. At lineouts the loosehead is typically a key lifter. In open play, modern props are expected to carry the ball effectively and compete at the breakdown. Props almost always wear [soft ground boots](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/soft-ground-rugby-boots) (SG) regardless of conditions — the forces through a contested scrum demand maximum grip. [Shoulder pads](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/rugby-shoulder-pads) are common at this position, and many props wear [headguards](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/rugby-head-guards) for protection in scrums and mauls. * * * ### 2\. Hooker The hooker (number 2) sits in the middle of the front row. Their primary role in the scrum is to hook the ball backwards with their foot once the scrum-half feeds it in — which is where the position name comes from. At lineouts, the hooker throws the ball in, making them one of the most technically demanding positions on the pitch. A poor lineout throw can gift possession to the opposition in an instant. In open play hookers are expected to carry hard and work at the breakdown. They cover significant ground during a match and need excellent fitness alongside their scrummaging strength. Like props, hookers wear SG boots in wet conditions. Lightweight options such as the [Canterbury Phoenix](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/canterbury-phoenix-rugby-boots) have become popular with hookers who prioritise mobility. * * * ### 3\. Tighthead Prop The tighthead prop (number 3) sits on the right of the front row with their head on the inside of the opposing loosehead — the tightest, most pressured position in the scrum. The tighthead takes enormous force through the scrum and is critical to providing a stable platform. Tightheads are typically the heaviest forwards and the most specialised scrummagers on the pitch. They rarely stray far from the set piece and contact areas. A dominant tighthead can win multiple penalties per game through scrummaging alone. SG boots are essential for tightheads. Headguards and shoulder pads are common choices for protection. * * * ### 4\. Blindside Lock (Left Lock) The two locks (numbers 4 and 5) make up the second row of the scrum, binding onto the props in front of them and driving forward. They provide the engine of the scrum and are the primary jumpers at lineouts. Locks are almost always the tallest players on the team — lineout possession is a key part of the game and height is a significant advantage. They also carry the ball in tight channels and do a large share of the tackling. The blindside lock (4) typically operates on the narrower side of the pitch. Both locks need SG boots for scrum work. [Lineout lifting blocks](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/rugby-lifting-blocks-and-lineout-tape) are a useful training aid for any second row working on their jumping technique. * * * ### 5\. Openside Lock (Right Lock) The openside lock (number 5) mirrors the blindside lock's role on the wider side of the pitch. Both locks share the same fundamental responsibilities — scrummaging, lineout jumping, carrying, and tackling. Some teams use one lock as the primary jumper and the other as a lifter, depending on physique and athleticism. Either way, locks cover more ground and make more tackles than almost any other forward. * * * ### 6\. Blindside Flanker The two flankers (numbers 6 and 7) bind onto the side of the scrum and are released first when it breaks down — their job is to be first to the breakdown, first to the tackle, and first in support of the ball carrier. The blindside flanker (6) typically operates on the shorter side between the scrum and the touchline. They tend to be bigger and more physical than the openside, contributing more to scrummaging and carrying in tight spaces. For boots, flankers typically go for a hybrid sole - [six studs](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/6-stud-rugby-boots "6 Stud Rugby Boots") rather than a full eight-stud forward boot. It's lighter and gives enough grip for open play without sacrificing traction at the breakdown. Headguards are popular given the lineout work, and most will wear shoulder pads and [grip socks](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/grip-socks "Rugby Grip Socks") as standard. * * * ### 7\. Openside Flanker The openside flanker (number 7) is typically the team's primary breakdown specialist. They operate on the wider side of the scrum and must get to every breakdown as quickly as possible — either to poach the ball for their team or to protect it. Great opensides are relentless. They need excellent speed over short distances, exceptional fitness, and a very high work rate. The ability to legally steal the ball at the breakdown — the jackal — is one of the most valuable skills in modern rugby. Lighter and faster than most forwards, some opensides lean towards boots designed for backs for extra mobility, while still needing reliable grip at the breakdown. * * * ### 8\. Number 8 The number 8 is the only player in the pack who can pick the ball up directly from the base of the scrum. This makes them the link between the forwards and backs — they can either drive from the back of the scrum, pass to the scrum half, or feed the ball to a back. Number 8s are typically athletic, powerful, and comfortable carrying the ball in open space as well as in contact. They need to be strong enough to scrummage but mobile enough to cover ground like a flanker. Forwards boots are standard. The most dynamic number 8s sometimes prefer a slightly lighter boot to reflect their carrying game. [Body armour](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/body-armour) is popular at this position given the carrying load. ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1227/8086/files/Best_Paid_Positions_1_480x480.png?v=1685795201) ## The Backs (9-15) Backs generally take the ball from the forwards and use it — running, passing, and kicking to create and convert attacking opportunities. They tend to be smaller and faster than forwards, though centres and number 8s blur that line considerably. [Rugby boots for backs](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/rugby-boots-for-backs) are built differently to forwards boots — lighter weight, better ground feel, and more suited to running lines and direction changes than scrummaging and rucking. * * * ### 9\. Scrum Half The scrum half (number 9) is the link between the forwards and backs. They feed the scrum, throw to the base of rucks and mauls, and distribute the ball to the backs. Every phase of play flows through the 9. Scrum halves need excellent passing — both hands, over distance, under pressure. They also need to read the game faster than most, deciding whether to pass wide, kick, or call a forward pick and go. Physically they are typically among the smallest players on the pitch but among the fittest — they cover huge distances per game. Backs boots are standard for scrum halves. Grip socks are popular across the backline for stability when changing direction quickly. * * * ### 10\. Fly Half The fly half (number 10) is the primary decision maker for the backs. They receive the ball from the scrum half and choose whether to pass, kick, or run. Almost every attacking play runs through the 10. Great fly halves need good vision, accurate passing, reliable kicking — both from hand and for goal — and the composure to make the right call under pressure. They are usually the team's designated goal kicker, responsible for converting tries and kicking penalties. Backs boots suit fly halves well. A good [kicking tee](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/rugby-kicking-tees) is essential for any 10 working on their goal kicking. * * * ### 11\. Left Wing Wingers (numbers 11 and 14) are positioned on the outside edges of the backline. They are typically the fastest players on the team — their primary job is to finish tries in the wide channels. The left wing (11) operates on the left side of the pitch. In attack they need to hold their width, create overlaps, and finish when the ball reaches them. In defence they cover the back field alongside the fullback and must be reliable under the high ball. Wingers benefit most from lightweight backs boots with excellent traction for acceleration. Firm ground boots suit most conditions wingers play in. Grip socks are popular for extra stability at speed. * * * ### 12\. Inside Centre The inside centre (number 12) operates in the midfield between the fly half and outside centre. They are one of the most physically demanding back positions — required to carry hard into contact, make dominant tackles in the midfield, and still have the ball skills to put players through gaps. Strong, fast, and physically robust, inside centres in modern rugby often resemble athletic forwards. They need to be able to take heavy hits as ball carriers and dish them out as defenders in the gain line battle. Backs boots with solid ankle support suit most 12s. Shoulder pads and body armour are common at this position given the contact involved. * * * ### 13\. Outside Centre The outside centre (number 13) is positioned outside the 12 and inside the wing. They need to be a combination of power and pace — strong enough to break the defensive line in midfield, quick enough to create and finish on the outside. Outside centres often make the final pass before a winger scores, so their handling under pressure needs to be reliable. Defensively they are responsible for shutting down opposition breaks on their side of the field. Backs boots work well here. Faster, lighter outside centres sometimes prefer firm ground boots for extra pace. * * * ### 14\. Right Wing The right wing (number 14) mirrors the left wing on the other side of the pitch. The same demands apply — finishing ability, pace, reliability under the high ball, and the defensive discipline to stay in position. Some right wingers are the team's primary attacking threats based on their individual pace or footwork. Others are more defensively oriented, depending on the team's system. Lightweight backs boots and grip socks are the key kit choices for wingers. * * * ### 15\. Fullback The fullback (number 15) is the last line of defence. Positioned behind the defensive line, they cover kicks, collect high balls, and sweep up any breaks that get through the defensive line. In attack, the fullback is a free runner who can join the backline from deep and create an extra man. Fullbacks need exceptional positional awareness — reading the opposition's kicking game and being in exactly the right place when the ball lands. They also need the composure to catch high balls under pressure from onrushing defenders. Fullbacks occasionally double as the team's goal kicker or kick-off taker. A reliable [kicking tee](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/rugby-kicking-tees) is worth having. Backs boots are standard, with [firm ground](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/firm-ground-rugby-boots) a popular choice on drier pitches. * * * ## Finding the right position for you Rugby genuinely has a position for every body type. Taller and heavier? The second row or prop positions are built around you. Short, quick, and sharp with the ball? Scrum half or winger. Athletic with a high work rate? Flanker. Good decision maker who wants to be in the thick of everything? Fly half. The best way to find your position is to play. Most coaches at grassroots level will help a new player identify where their physical attributes and skills fit best. Whatever position you play, [Rugbystuff.com](https://www.rugbystuff.com/collections/all-rugby-boots) stocks boots, protection, and kit suited to every position on the pitch. If you're unsure what you need, [get in touch](https://www.rugbystuff.com) — we're happy to help. --- > Source: [Rugbystuff.com](https://www.rugbystuff.com/blogs/rugby-stuff-news/rugby-positions-explained-a-beginners-guide-to-understanding-the-game)