Rugby has traditionally been the game for players of all shapes and sizes. These players can find their own place in a rugby team based on their position.
When Ireland played Italy in February 2026, Craig Casey (5 ft,5 in, 76kg) lined up for an international match beside James Ryan (6 ft, 7 in, 115kg). Despite their gulf in height and weight, they both had key responsibilities in the same game.
Rugby is simple: the 15 players who start the match are given numbers based on their positions, which range from 1 to 15. The players wearing the numbers 1-8 are known as forwards, involved in the scrum; they are traditionally the heavier players based on strength and power. The backs wear numbers 9 to 15 and have traditionally based their game on skill and speed.
Rugby positions: Front Row (1-3)
The front row are mostly in control of the set piece. The props are responsible for the scrum, while the hooker is the key player throwing into the lineout. Due to their need for strength and power in the physical battle of the scrum, front rowers are traditionally the heaviest.
1- Loosehead prop
The loosehead is on the left of the scrum and has the role of attacking the opposition scrum. They are under the most pressure from the referee as they are the most open and exposed to be seen.
2- Hooker
Hookers are located in the middle of the scrum. Their name comes from the need to hook the ball back from the centre of the scrum to the feet of the number eight. Throwing at the line out is one of the most underrated skills in rugby. The throw requires perfect accuracy and timing to meet the jumper at the apex of their jump and lift.
3- Tighthead prop
The tighthead prop is the anchor of the scrum. They come under the most pressure in the scrum because they take the weight of the opposition hooker and loose head.
Second rows/Locks (4+5)
The role of those in the second row is relatively similar for both sides. The left lock will drive between the loosehead prop and hooker, while the right lock will drive between the tighthead and hooker. The main job of a second row is to be a jumping option at the lineout, and therefore these players are traditionally the tallest in the team. Historically, they would have been tall and light, but with the added power of those lifting, the second rows have become bulkier to match their height.
4- Left lock
5- Right lock
Back row (6-8)
The back row of the scrum have a diverse range of skills required. They traditionally are the forwards who are required to be the most influential with their ball carrying, and in defence, they are required to be dominant tacklers who also compete for turnovers in the ruck. They also have a role in pushing in the scrum and can also be used as jumping options in the lineout.
6- Blindside flanker
The blindside flanker will set up on the side of the scrum closest to the touchline. Traditionally, they will be used to cover the harder-hitting carriers of the opposition forwards on the blindside.
7- Openside flanker
The openside flanker is typically the most dynamic forward who is able to cover the most ground, make tackles, jackal and compete for turnovers. The openside starts on the side furthest away from the touchline, and in scrum defence, they are tasked with putting pressure on the flyhalf and making the first tackle or getting to disrupt the first ruck.
8- Number eight
The number eight is typically the biggest ball carrier in the forward pack. They are at the back of the scrum and will control the ball with their feet until the scrum half wants the ball out of the scrum. The number eight can also pick the ball up from the back of the scrum and carry directly at the opposition.
Half-backs (9+10)
The half-backs are the creative players in the team and are typically in control of play calling and kicking. They get their hands on the ball the most and can be the most influential players on a team.
9- Scrum half
The scrum half is mostly the first player to touch the ball in each phase. They will be the player to take the ball from the base of a ruck and pass it out. They direct the forwards and box kick from the base of the ruck if play breaks down. In defence, they can drop in and out of the line, covering the half spaces between the defensive line and the deep backfield of the back three.
10- Outside half/Fly half
The fly-half is arguably the most important position in rugby. They are the equivalent of a quarterback in American Football but have even more responsibility. They are the primary callers of plays, the first receivers on most plays, and the primary kickers. In most scenarios, the fly half will also be the goal kicker, taking kicks from the tee for penalties and conversions.
Centres (12+13)
Centres can have some of the most diverse roles in rugby. They therefore need to be the most all-round. They need speed, power and the creativity of a playmaker.
12- Inside centre
The inside centre can have the most varied style of play. In New Zealand, the 10 is known as the first five-eighth, and the 12 is known as a second five-eighth. This shows how the 12 can be a second playmaker, and more creative attributes are used. Some inside centres can be massive ball carriers, used to hit up hard in the midfield.
13- Outside centre
A 13 will have similar roles to his counterparts inside, but they typically lead the defence. This is due to the fact that they have the best view of the field from their wider position.
Back-three (11, 14, 15)
11- Left wing
14- Right wing
The role of both wingers is essentially the same, depending on which side the play is on. Wingers have a diverse role, needing to have pace to attack on the outside. They need to be positive in the air to deal with the high ball, and they also have to be proficient in their one-on-one defence.
15- Full-back
The full-back on a rugby team has responsibility over the backfield in defence. They are the last line of defence if anyone makes a line-break and have a huge responsibility when fielding kicks in the backfield, and also need to return kicks with accuracy and distance where possible. In attack, they need to be dynamic, coming into the attacking line in a variety of positions.
