A
rugby unionRugby union is a full contact team sport, a form of football which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand. It is played with an oval-shaped ball, outdoors on a level field, usually with a grass surface, 100 m...
team is made up of 15 players: eight forwards, numbered from 1 to 8; and seven backs, numbered from 9 to 15. 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
footballAssociation football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players using a spherical ball...
with its various
formationsIn association football, the formation describes how the players in a team are positioned on the pitch. Different formations can be used depending on whether a team wishes to play more attacking or defensive football....
(4-3-3, 3-5-2, etc.) and
cricketCricket is a bat-and-ball team sport that is first documented as being played in southern England in the 16th century. By the end of the 18th century, cricket had developed to the point where it had become the national sport of England. The expansion of the British Empire led to cricket being...
, where players are commonly moved from one field position to another (e.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 British 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 numberIn team sports, the squad number, shirt number, jersey number, sweater number, uniform number or simply a number is the number worn on a player's uniform, to identify and distinguish each player from others wearing the same or similar uniforms...
for his entire career, as in most American sports or in
footballAssociation football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players using a spherical ball...
. The
International Rugby BoardThe International Rugby Board is the world governing and law-making body for the sport of rugby union, and previously for rugby football. It was founded in 1886 as the International Rugby Football Board by the unions of Scotland, Wales and Ireland. England originally refused to take part, but...
(IRB) has laid down a numbering scheme for international matches, which is adopted at almost all levels of the sport.
The main role of the forwards is to gain and retain possession of the ball. They take part in set pieces of the
scrumIn rugby union a scrum is a means of restarting play after a minor infringement. It involves eight players from each team, known as the pack or forward pack, binding together in three rows and interlocking with the free opposing teams forwards. At this point the ball is fed into the gap between the...
and the
line-outA 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 the equivalent of the throw-in in association football. Rugby league abolished line-outs in 1897...
. 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
shirtsA rugby shirt, often referred to as a jersey, is a shirt worn by players of rugby union or rugby league. It usually has short sleeves, though long sleeves are common as well....
numbered from 1 to 15 and keyed to their positions (though
alternativesA rugby union team consists of 15 players plus up to seven replacements . The starting players are normally numbered from 1 to 15 and the replacements 16 onwards....
exist); these numbers appear on the diagram below. The first eight players, known as
forwards or
the pack, play in the
scrumIn rugby union a scrum is a means of restarting play after a minor infringement. It involves eight players from each team, known as the pack or forward pack, binding together in three rows and interlocking with the free opposing teams forwards. At this point the ball is fed into the gap between the...
. The remaining seven players play as the
backs.
Alternative names for positions
| Prop | Prop forward |
| Hooker | Hook, rake |
| Lock | Second row, lock forward |
| Flanker | Wing Forwards, breakaway, flank, flank forward |
| Number 8 | Eightman, eighthman, lock forward |
| Scrum half | Inside half, half-back, scrum off, scrummie |
| Fly half | Outside half, out half, stand-off, stand-off half, five-eighth, first five-eighth, first five, fly, pivot |
| Inside centre | Second five-eighth, first centre, second five or centre |
| Outside centre | Centre, centre three-quarter, second centre |
| Winger | Wingman, wing threequarter |
| Fullback | Custodian, Sweeper, Number 15 |
Collective terms for positions
| Front row | The props and hooker |
| Second Row | Both locks |
| Tight forwards or Tight 5 or Front five | The combined front row and second row |
| Flankers or wing forwards | The open and blind side flankers |
| Loose forwards (Loosies) or Back row | The flankers and the number 8 |
| Pack | The forwards |
|
| Half backs | Scrum half and flyhalf |
| Midfield | Fly half and centres |
| Inside backs | The inside centre, flyhalf and scrumhalf |
| Five-eighths | The flyhalf and inside centre (1st and 2nd five eighths) |
| Three-quarters / Three-quarter line | Wingers and centres |
| Back three | The fullback and the wingers |
| Outside backs | The outside centre, wings and full back |
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. In the southern hemisphere, especially in New Zealand, this position is usually 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 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.
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 ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses , and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori named New Zealand Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud...
the fly half is referred to as the first five-eighth (or more often, just "1st 5"), 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 is called the second five-eighth (or "2nd 5") implying a more forward position than a three-quarter back and the outside centre as simply "Centre".
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", or even "loosies", since they can quickly detach from scrums. The front row and locks are often referred to as the "tight 5".
Australian Terms
In
AustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the continental mainland , the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans...
, the second row of the scrum are often referred to as both "second row" and "locks". The forwards on either side of the locks are known as "break-aways" 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
AfrikaansAfrikaans is an Indo-European language derived from Dutch and thus classified as Low Franconian West Germanic. It is mainly spoken in South Africa and Namibia, with smaller numbers of speakers living in Botswana, Angola, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Zambia, Australia, New Zealand, the United...
speakers, and use positional terms unique to that language, although in many cases the terms are a literal translation from the English. In
South AmericaSouth America is the southern continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere...
, a combination of Spanish and English position names is used.
| English | Afrikaans | French | Italian | Spanish (Spain) | Spanish (South America) | Irish | Welsh |
| Prop | Stut | Pilier | Pilone | Pilar, Pilier | Pilar | Taca | Prop, Rheng flaen |
| Hooker | Haker | Talonneur | Tallonatore | Talonador | Hooker | Caiteoir | Bachwr |
| Flanker | Flank | Troisième Ligne Aile | Terza (linea) ala
Flanker | Tercera Línea, Flanker | Ala, Tercera Línea | Tríú Líne | Blaenasgellwr |
| Lock | Slot | Deuxième Ligne | Seconda Linea | Segunda Línea | Segunda Línea | Glas, Dara Líne | Clo, Ail reng |
| Number eight | Agtsteman (lit. 'eighthman') | Troisième Ligne Centre | Terza linea media
Terza (linea) centro
Numero 8 | Tercera Línea Centro u "Ocho" | Octavo, Ocho, Tercera Línea | Uimhir a hocht | Wythwr |
| Scrum half | Skrumskakel (lit. 'scrum-link') | Demi de mêlée | Mediano di mischia | Medio melé | Medio Scrum | Leath-chlibirt | Mewnwr |
| Fly-half | Losskakel (lit. 'loose-link') | Demi d'ouverture, Ouvreur | Apertura
Mediano d'apertura | Apertura, Medio de Apertura | Apertura, Medio Apertura | Eitilteoir | Maswr |
| Centre | Senter | Centre | Centro (Primo e Secondo)
Tre quarti centro | Centro (Primero y Segundo) | In-side (Primero y Segundo), Centro | Lár na páirce | Canolwr |
| Wing (Left and Right) | Vleuel | Ailier | Ala
Tre quarti ala | Ala (Izquierda y Derecha) | Wing (Izquierdo y Derecho) | Eiteoir | Asgellwr |
| Full-back | Heelagter | Arrière | Estremo | Zaguero | Fullback | Lán-chosantóir | Cefnwr |
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 undersAn up and under is a type of kick in various codes of football. It is a high short punt onto or behind the defending team is a useful tactic both for attacking and defending...
", "
GarryowenGarryowen Football Club, usually referred to as Garryowen, is a rugby union club from Limerick, Ireland. Historically it has been one of the most successful clubs in Irish rugby union leagues.-Name:...
s" or "
bombsAn up and under is a type of kick in various codes of football. It is a high short punt onto or behind the defending team is a useful tactic both for attacking and defending...
". 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 BlancoSerge Blanco is a former rugby union footballer who played for Biarritz Olympique and the French national side, gaining 93 caps, 81 of them at fullback. His alternative position was ....
(
FranceThe France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship...
),
Don ClarkeDonald Barry Clarke was a New Zealand rugby union player who played 89 times as an All Black from 1956 until 1964...
(
New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
),
Gavin HastingsAndrew Gavin Hastings, OBE is a former Scotland rugby union player. He is frequently considered one of the best, if not the best, rugby player to come out of Scotland...
(
ScotlandThe Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked tenth in the IRB World Rankings as at 23 March 2009, and makes up one quarter of the...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Andy IrvineAndrew Robertson "Andy" Irvine MBE is a former President of the Scottish Rugby Union , and a former Scottish international rugby player.-Background:...
(
ScotlandThe Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked tenth in the IRB World Rankings as at 23 March 2009, and makes up one quarter of the...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Tom KiernanThomas Joseph Kiernan is a former Ireland international rugby union player. He won 54 caps for Ireland as a full-back between 1960 and 1973 and captained his country 24 times. At the time of his retirement he was Ireland's most-capped player, most experienced captain and record scorer in...
(
IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
George NepiaGeorge Nepia was a Māori rugby union and rugby league player. He is remembered as an exceptional full-back and one of the most famous Māori rugby players. He was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. In 2004 he was selected as number 65 by the panel of the New Zealand's Top...
(
New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
), and JPR Williams (
WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
).
See also: Fullback (rugby)A fullback is a position in rugby. In both rugby union and rugby league codes, teams usually play with a single full back. In addition to being the last line of defence against running attacks by the opposing three-quarter backs, the full back is expected to field high kicks from the opposition,...
14. 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 LomuJonah Tali Lomu, MNZM is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He had sixty-three caps as an All Black after debuting in 1994. He is generally regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union. One of the sport's most intimidating players on the field, he has had a huge impact on the game...
), wingers are often as big as forwards. 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.
Wings in the International Rugby Hall of Fame are:
André BonifaceAndré Boniface is a former international rugby union player for France. His usual position was either on the wing or in the centres. His Test career for France, 1954 through to 1966, included 48 caps and 44 points. Boniface was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2005.-External...
(
FranceThe France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship...
),
David CampeseDavid Ian Campese , also known as Campo, was an Australian rugby union player. He also occasionally played fullback...
(
AustraliaThe Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
),
Gerald DaviesThomas Gerald Reames Davies CBE is one of the acknowledged greats of Welsh rugby, playing for the side between 1966 and 1978.-Biography:...
(
WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Ieuan EvansIeuan Evans is a former rugby union footballer who played on the wing for Wales. He is regarded as one of the best Welsh wingers of all time, despite playing through a disappointing era of Welsh rugby...
(
WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
), John Kirwan (
New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
),
Jonah LomuJonah Tali Lomu, MNZM is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He had sixty-three caps as an All Black after debuting in 1994. He is generally regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union. One of the sport's most intimidating players on the field, he has had a huge impact on the game...
(
New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
), and
Tony O'ReillySir Anthony Joseph Francis O'Reilly, AO, is an Irish businessman and former international rugby union player. He is known for his dominance of the Independent News & Media Group, which he led from 1973 to 2009, and as former CEO and Chairman of the H.J. Heinz Company. He was the leading...
(
IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
).
See also: Winger (sport)In certain sports, such as football, field hockey, ice hockey, handball, rugby union, lacrosse and rugby league, the term winger is the name of a position. It refers to positions on the extreme left and right sides of the pitch . In American football and Canadian football, the analogous position...
13. 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 has recently seen a development in its role. Now, they share many qualities of the flyhalf, for example, kicking, distribution. They must also be a very good tackler, and usually lead a rush defense if it is called. For example,
the current Australian team often interchanges Fly-Half and Inside Center regularly during the course of the match, and in New Zealand Inside Center is referred to as "Second Five Eighth".
A good centre will be one of the most versatile players in the game: it is easy to switch from there to the wing, fullback, or flyhalf. They vary in physique, which usually affects their game plan. A big centre will be used for crash balls or switches, whereas a smaller centre may change his game to become a more flyhalf related centre.
The outside centre also sees two roles. 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. The first type of outside centre is the attacking one. This type makes them faster and very agile, almost like a winger. The second is the defensive, who draw attention away from the wingers to try and give them space. A good mix of the two is what most teams look for.
Centres in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include:
André BonifaceAndré Boniface is a former international rugby union player for France. His usual position was either on the wing or in the centres. His Test career for France, 1954 through to 1966, included 48 caps and 44 points. Boniface was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2005.-External...
(
FranceThe France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship...
),
Danie GerberDanie Gerber is a former South African rugby union player, who played for South Africa between 1980 and 1992. Playing mainly at , he made only 24 caps for South Africa despite playing internationally for 12 years because of South Africa's sporting isolation caused by apartheid...
(
South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
),
Mike GibsonCameron Michael Henderson Gibson MBE is a former Irish rugby union footballer.He first played for Ireland in 1964, and earned his 69th and final cap in the second and final test win against Australia in Sydney in 1979 at age 36. A versatile player, he represented his country at four different...
(
IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Tim HoranTim Horan AM is a former Australian rugby union footballer. He played for the Queensland Reds in the Super 12, and represented Australia, he was one of the best centres in the world throughout the 1990s due to his attacking prowess, formidable defence and playmaking ability...
(
AustraliaThe Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
),
Jo MasoJo Maso is a former rugby union and rugby league footballer who played for Narbonne, Toulonnais, Perpignan and France, gaining 25 caps. His alternative position was...
(
FranceThe France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship...
),
Gwyn NichollsErith Gwyn Nicholls was a Welsh rugby union player who gained 24 caps for Wales as a centre. Nicholls was known as the "Prince of Threequarters"....
(
WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Tony O'ReillySir Anthony Joseph Francis O'Reilly, AO, is an Irish businessman and former international rugby union player. He is known for his dominance of the Independent News & Media Group, which he led from 1973 to 2009, and as former CEO and Chairman of the H.J. Heinz Company. He was the leading...
(
IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
), and
Philippe SellaPhilippe Sella is a French former rugby union player, who until recently held the record for most international appearances in that sport. He is a member of both the International Rugby Hall of Fame and the IRB Hall of Fame, being enshrined in 1999 and 2008 respectively.Philippe joined Saracens in...
(
FranceThe France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship...
). Sella is also a member of the
IRB Hall of FameThe IRB Hall of Fame is a hall of fame operated by the International Rugby Board that recognises special achievement and contribution to the sport of rugby union. The IRB Hall of Fame covers players, coaches, administrators, match officials, institutions and other individuals...
.
10. Fly-half
A fly-half is crucial to a team's game plan. They are usually the one who calls set moves, or makes tactical decisions. He needs to be quick-thinking in a game; such is the speed at which a situation is deteriorated, he needs to be able to communicate with all his backs and adapt them to the attacking or defending situation. Usually, the fly-half is the kicker of the team, a role often shared with the centres or fullback. A lot of fly-halves are goal kickers, and make most kicks for the team, whether it's tactical, or for touch.
Fly-halves in the International
Rugby Hall of Fame- Rugby League :*Rugby League Hall of Fame*Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame*British Rugby League Hall of Fame...
include:
Phil BennettPhillip Bennett was a Welsh international rugby union fly half from 1969 to 1978. His flair and range of tricks, including his famous sidestep and swerve, meant he was a firm favourite with crowds.-Rugby career:...
(
WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Naas BothaHendrik Egnatius Botha, commonly known as Naas Botha is a Northern Transvaal and Springboks former Rugby union player. He was voted Rugby Player of the Year...
(
South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
),
Mark EllaMark Gordon Ella is an Indigenous Australian former rugby union player, often considered as one of his country's all-time greats in that sport. In a relatively short career , Mark Ella established himself as one of the all-time greats in world rugby union...
(
AustraliaThe Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
),
Grant FoxGrant James Fox is former rugby union player from New Zealand. He was born in New Plymouth. He attended Auckland Grammar school....
(
New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
),
Barry JohnBarry John is a former Welsh rugby union player. He is considered by many to be the greatest in the sport's history, and became known as "the King"....
(
WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Jack KyleJohn Wilson Kyle , commonly referred to as Jack Kyle or Jackie Kyle, is a former rugby union player who played for Ireland, the British Lions and the Barbarians during the 1940s and 1950s...
(
IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Michael LynaghMichael Lynagh is an Australian rugby union footballer who played as a Fly-half.Michael Lynagh represented Australia from 1984 to 1995, playing at both inside centre and fly half. Lynagh was capped 72 times for Australia, and was captain from 1993 to 1995. He was the world points scoring record...
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AustraliaThe Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
),
Cliff MorganCliff Morgan is a former Welsh rugby union player who played for Cardiff RFC and earned 29 caps for Wales between 1951 and 1958.-Rugby career:...
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WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Bennie OslerBenjamin Louwrens Osler was a rugby union footballer who played internationally for South Africa. Osler played mainly at for both South Africa, and his provincial team of Western Province....
(
South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
), and
Hugo PortaHugo Porta is a former Argentine Rugby Union footballer, an inductee of both the International Rugby Hall of Fame and IRB Hall of Fame, and arguably the best the sport has seen...
(
ArgentinaThe Argentina national rugby team, nicknamed Los Pumas, represents Argentina in international rugby union matches. The team, which plays in sky blue and white jerseys, is organised by the Argentine Rugby Union .Argentina played its first international rugby match in 1910 against a touring British...
). Kyle and Porta are also members of the IRB Hall of Fame.
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
scrumIn rugby union a scrum is a means of restarting play after a minor infringement. It involves eight players from each team, known as the pack or forward pack, binding together in three rows and interlocking with the free opposing teams forwards. At this point the ball is fed into the gap between the...
, maul or ruck to get the ball out and maintain movement. 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-outA 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 the equivalent of the throw-in in association football. Rugby league abolished line-outs in 1897...
to try to catch knock downs from the jumper.
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 CatchpoleKen Catchpole OAM Ken Catchpole OAM Ken Catchpole OAM (born 1939 in Paddington, New South Wales is a former Australian rugby union footballer. He played 27 matches for Australia, 13 as captain. Catchpole rose through the ranks at the Randwick club as a young man, before making his debut for New...
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AustraliaThe Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
),
Danie CravenDaniël Hartman Craven , more famously known as Danie Craven or simply Doc Craven, is a former Western Province, Eastern Province, Northern Transvaal and Springbok rugby union player as well as arguably South Africa's best and best-known rugby administrator...
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South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
),
Gareth EdwardsGareth Owen Edwards CBE is a former Welsh rugby union footballer who played scrum-half, considered by many to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game...
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WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Nick Farr-JonesNicholas Campbell Farr-Jones is a former Australian rugby union footballer. His position was . He attended Newington College and St Andrew's College within the University of Sydney....
(
AustraliaThe Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
) and
Joost van der WesthuizenJoost van der Westhuizen is a former South African rugby union footballer who was the Springboks' first choice in the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2000s. He was capped 89 times for the Springboks and scored 38 tries...
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South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
). Craven and Edwards are also members of the IRB Hall of Fame.
Utility backs
A few players are capable of playing multiple back positions, even at Test level. Such players are often termed "utility backs". Although no true utility back is in either the International Rugby or IRB Halls of Fame, some examples of modern utility backs include:
- Mike Catt
Michael John Catt MBE is a South African-born English rugby union footballer who plays for London Irish, having previously played for Bath. He has played at international level for England including the successful 2003 World Cup Final...
, England and Lions — Earned multiple Test caps at fullback, fly-half and centre, and one on the wing.
- Matt Giteau
Matthew Giteau is an Australian international rugby union footballer. He attended St Edmund's College, Canberra, which has produced other Wallabies including George Gregan, Matt Henjak and the former rugby league star and now coach Ricky Stuart...
, Australia. - Has 68 test caps, distributed amongst scrum half, fly half and inside center.
- Chris Paterson
Chris Paterson is a Scottish rugby union footballer. He is a "utility back", capable of playing , or , who plays for Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland....
, Scotland — Has started 45 Tests at wing, 30 at fullback, and 11 at fly-half.
- François Steyn
Francois Steyn is a South African rugby union player, who plays for his national team; the Natal Sharks in the country's domestic competition, the Currie Cup; and the Sharks in the Southern Hemisphere Super 14 competition. He was also a member of the winning team of the 2007 Rugby World Cup...
, South Africa — Has multiple Test caps at every back position except scrum-half.
- Adam Ashley-Cooper
Adam Ashley-Cooper is an Australian rugby union footballer. He currently plays for the Brumbies in the international Super 14 competition and has played for Australia. He was educated at the Berkeley Vale High School and played his junior rugby for Ourimbah on the NSW Central Coast...
, Australia -- Has 31 Test caps to date, including starts at wing, fullback and both inside and outside centre.
1. Loosehead prop & 3. Tighthead prop
The role of both the loose- and tighthead props is to support the hooker in the
scrumScrum , in the sports of rugby union and rugby league, is a way of restarting the game, either after an accidental infringement or when the ball has gone out of play...
and to provide effective, dynamic support for the jumpers in the
line-outA 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 the equivalent of the throw-in in association football. Rugby league abolished line-outs in 1897...
. 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
scrumIn rugby union a scrum is a means of restarting play after a minor infringement. It involves eight players from each team, known as the pack or forward pack, binding together in three rows and interlocking with the free opposing teams forwards. At this point the ball is fed into the gap between the...
does not collapse, a situation which can be very dangerous sometimes resulting in crushing or breaking of the neck and spine. If there are not enough props or hookers on either team (and no replacements are available), uncontested scrums will be set, where no pushing is permitted, and the team putting the ball into the scrum has to win it.
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 LeonardJason Leonard OBE , also known as "The Fun Bus", is an English former rugby union forward who held the world record for winning the most international caps until 2005, when it was surpassed by Australia's George Gregan...
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EnglandThe England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 25 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam. England also compete for the Calcutta Cup...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
) and
Gethin JenkinsGethin Jenkins was educated at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive school in Beddau. He is a Welsh rugby union player. He plays for Cardiff Blues....
(
WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
) are rare in being able to prop on either side at the top level.
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. Hence, the laws implicitly require the loosehead prop to be on the left side of the scrum. 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 and his hooker.
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 LeonardJason Leonard OBE , also known as "The Fun Bus", is an English former rugby union forward who held the world record for winning the most international caps until 2005, when it was surpassed by Australia's George Gregan...
(
EnglandThe England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 25 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam. England also compete for the Calcutta Cup...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Syd MillarSydney "Syd" Millar, CBE, is the outgoing chairman of the International Rugby Board. He was born in Ballymena and previously played for Ballymena RFC and represented Ireland in the pack, winning 37 caps as a prop. In addition, he played 9 times for the British and Irish Lions...
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IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
) and
Wilson WhineraySir Wilson James Whineray, KNZM, OBE, is a former captain of the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby union team.He played for the All Blacks between 1957 and 1965. He was the team's longest serving captain, and according to some, its greatest...
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New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as 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
scrumScrum , in the sports of rugby union and rugby league, is a way of restarting the game, either after an accidental infringement or when the ball has gone out of play...
; because of the pressure put on the body by the
scrumScrum , in the sports of rugby union and rugby league, is a way of restarting the game, either after an accidental infringement or when the ball has gone out of play...
it is considered to be one of the most dangerous positions to play. They also normally throw the ball in at
line-outA 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 the equivalent of the throw-in in association football. Rugby league abolished line-outs in 1897...
s. 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-outA 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 the equivalent of the throw-in in association football. Rugby league abolished line-outs in 1897...
s. 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 FitzpatrickSean Brian Thomas Fitzpatrick, MNZM is a former rugby union footballer who represented New Zealand, and is widely regarded as one of the finest players ever to come from that country. He is also the son of former All Black, Brian Fitzpatrick.-Early life:Sean Fitzpatrick's high school education...
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New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
) and
Keith WoodKeith Gerard Mallinson Wood and educated at St Munchin's College, Limerick is a former international rugby union footballer who played for Ireland, the Lions, Garryowen, Harlequins and Munster....
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IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
).
4. & 5. Lock
Locks are almost always the tallest players on the team and so are the primary targets at line-outs. 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.
The two locks stick their heads between the two props and the hooker in the
scrumsScrum , in the sports of rugby union and rugby league, is a way of restarting the game, either after an accidental infringement or when the ball has gone out of play...
. 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 BeaumontWilliam "Bill" Blackledge Beaumont CBE was captain of the England rugby union team at a time when they struggled to win games. His greatest moment as captain was the unexpected 1980 Grand Slam...
(
EnglandThe England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 25 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam. England also compete for the Calcutta Cup...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Gordon BrownGordon Lamont Brown was a Scottish international rugby union footballer. He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2001. His nickname is Broon frae Troon after his home town in west central Scotland. Brown played for West of Scotland, Scotland and the British Lions...
(
ScotlandThe Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked tenth in the IRB World Rankings as at 23 March 2009, and makes up one quarter of the...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Frik du PreezFrik du Preez is a former Northern Transvaal and Springboks Rugby union player. He was born in the town of Rustenburg, South Africa and went to school at the Parys High School in Parys...
(
South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
),
John EalesJohn Eales AM is an Australian former rugby union player and arguably the most successful captain in the history of Australian rugby.-Early life:...
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AustraliaThe Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
), Martin Johnson (
EnglandThe England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 25 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam. England also compete for the Calcutta Cup...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Brian LochoreSir Brian James Lochore, ONZ, KNZM, OBE is a former rugby union footballer and coach who represented and captained the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks. He played at number 8 and lock, as well as captaining the side 46 times...
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),
Willie John McBrideWilliam James McBride, MBE, better known as Willie John McBride is a former rugby union footballer who played as a for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. He played 63 Tests for Ireland including eleven as captain, and toured with the Lions five times — a record that gave him 17 Lions...
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IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
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LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
), and
Colin MeadsSir Colin Earl Meads, KNZM, MBE is a former New Zealand rugby union footballer. He played 55 test matches , most frequently in the lock forward position, for New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks, from 1957 until 1971....
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New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
). Eales is also a member of the IRB Hall of Fame.
6. Blindside flanker & 7. Openside flanker
Flanker is a fairly dynamic position with the fewest set responsibilities during the game. 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. The blindside should be the bigger, more destructive defensive player whilst the openside should be the quicker of the two, who along with the scrum half and the number eight, offers a good quick link to the backs.
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 pace to run with the backs for tactical manoeuvres and get through the opposition's defence. Opensides such as Richie McCaw, Serge Betsen and Neil Back were adept at the breakdown either slowing the ball down or stealing ball at the ruck. On the opposite side of the argument are players like Martyn Williams and David Wallace who provide continuity between the pack and the backs.
Flankers in the International Rugby Hall of Fame include:
Dave GallaherDavid "Dave" Gallaher was a New Zealand rugby union footballer, best known as the captain of "The Originals", the first New Zealand national rugby union team to be known as the All Blacks....
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New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
), Michael Jones (
New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
),
Ian KirkpatrickIan Andrew Kirkpatrick is a New Zealand rugby union player, who was captain of the All Blacks.Kirkpatrick began his first-class career in 1966 at the age of 20 playing for Poverty Bay. One year later in he moved to Canterbury and established himself in the local provincial team...
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),
Graham MourieGraham Neil Kenneth Mourie is a former New Zealand All Black and coach of the Hurricanes. He was one of the great All Black Captains in the late 70s and early 80s...
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New ZealandThe New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, is the representative side of New Zealand in rugby union. Rugby union is regarded as the country's national sport...
),
Francois PienaarJacobus Francois Pienaar captained and played for the South African Springboks national rugby union team from 26 June 1993 until 10 August 1996. He won 29 test caps and led the Springboks to victory in the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup...
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South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
),
Jean PratJean Prat was French rugby union footballer. He was awarded the Légion d'honneur in 1959. He played over 50 times for France and is a member of the International Rugby Hall of Fame, being inducted in 2001. His younger brother also appeared for France...
(
FranceThe France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship...
),
Jean-Pierre RivesJean-Pierre Rives is a French former rugby union player who won 59 caps for France as a flanker. Although considered too small by some for the position, Rives displayed tremendous courage and flair, epitomising the spirit of French rugby...
(
FranceThe France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship...
),
Fergus SlatteryJohn Fergus Slattery is a former rugby union footballer who represented Ireland. He played schools rugby for Blackrock College and then moved on to play senior rugby for UCD, before earning a call up to the Ireland team in 1970. During his career Slattery earned 61 caps, 18 as captain, and scored...
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IrelandThe Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in rugby union. Ireland are the current Six Nations Champions...
and
LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
), and Wavell Wakefield (
EnglandThe England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 25 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam. England also compete for the Calcutta Cup...
).
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" or "eighthman". 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 eight 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 eight 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 eight 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 (
WalesThe Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and
British LionsThe British and Irish Lions, formerly known as the British Isles and the British Lions, is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
),
Morne du PlessisMorne du Plessis is a former South African rugby union player. He is often described as one of the Springboks' most successful captains. Playing at number 8, his national career spanned ten years, five of which he was captain...
(
South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
),
Brian LochoreSir Brian James Lochore, ONZ, KNZM, OBE is a former rugby union footballer and coach who represented and captained the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks. He played at number 8 and lock, as well as captaining the side 46 times...
(New Zealand) and
Hennie MullerHendrik "Hennie" Scholtz Vosloo Muller , is a former South African rugby union footballer. Muller is considered one of the greatest South African footballers, captaining the national side, the Springboks in nine tests, and is a member of the International Rugby Hall of Fame...
(
South AfricaThe South African national rugby union team are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number one in the IRB World Rankings as of Monday, 14 September 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards...
).
See also
External links