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 pitch, or hoping for a better understanding of how the game’s played? Here’s our breakdown of the 15 positions in Rugby Union – and how they work together for success.
There’s no way around it – Rugby Union can be difficult to understand. But with so much to offer, it’s worth getting stuck in.
It’s a game like no other. Where else can you find athletes, at the peak of their powers, battling it out for glory with such raw physicality? The pitch: the Colosseum. The players: gladiators. Every muscle striving for victory.
The Zone is passionate about helping people get the most out of sports, and rugby is no exception. In this guide we’ll breakdown all 15 positions in Rugby Union, from front to back, to help you get to grips with the game.
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FORWARDS
On a rugby pitch, you can break the players down into two positional groups: the forwards and the backs. Contrary to what you might see in sports like football, the forwards in rugby are typically the biggest and strongest players, lining up at the front of the pitch and using their strength to win possession. They make up the scrummage, where they come together in formation and push forwards, trying to gain possession after a minor infraction. The eight players that make up forwards are broken down below.
1&3 – LOOSEHEAD AND TIGHTHEAD PROPS
Wearing number ‘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, so it’s on them to establish its stability. 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.
The roles demand an incredible amount of upper body strength, having to literally lift the jumper when they’re sent up for the ball.
It must be said that the role isn’t for the faint of heart; 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 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 the consider playing hooker.
4&5 – LOCKS
The locks are the second-row forwards, so called as they make up the second row of forwards. Easy to understand so far.
Typically, it’s a role that demands height and power, bridging 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 take 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 at either side of the scrum: the blind-side flanker on its left and the open-side flanker on its right. Athleticism and stamina are essential for success as flankers, securing and maintaining possession or fighting to get it back.
The role demands patience and an ability to never lose focus - when you get the ball, you’ll need to make the most of it, but you need to be able to anticipate potential counterattacks.
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8 – NUMBER EIGHT
The bridge between the forwards and the backs, the number eight is asked to do it all. Drive forwards in possession, put in strong tackles, win the ball in open play, support the scrum, direct teammates.
If it sounds like a lot, that’s because it is – there’s no two ways around it. If you want to play as a number eight, you will need to master a great number of skills and stay on top of your varied roles until the full-time whistle blows.
BACKS
If you’re uninitiated, it might come as a shock to discover that the backs (so called as they play at the back) are responsible for the team’s attacking play, rather than the defence. They still help in stopping the opposition, but from scoring tries to kicking goals. The backs shoulder the responsibility of getting their side in front (and keeping them there).
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: it’s one of the top requirements. 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
It can be argued that nobody has as much influence on the game as a fly-half. The chances are that if a team is attacking, the move was started by the fly-half deciding where and when to pass the ball out. They’ll also have to marshal the back into keeping their defensive line, as well as kicking into touch if the opposition are getting dangerously close to scoring. Oh, and they’re usually the designated placekicker for penalties and drop-goals, too.
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.
11 & 14 - LEFT AND RIGHT WINGER
Do you have the burning need for speed? Welcome to the world of the winger.
Positioned out wide on the pitch, the wingers can be considered the finishers of the team, using their explosive power and pace to shirk challenges and sprint to the try line. 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 blessed with lightning-speed, then put it to good use and consider playing as a winger for your team. Trust us - they’ll thank you for it.
12 & 13 – INSIDE AND OUTSIDE CENTRE
From just behind the fly-half, the centres play a key role on the pitch. In attack, they’re strong runners with an eye for exploiting gaps in the opposition’s defence and unafraid of strong tackles as they make direct runs. In defence, they’re accomplished tacklers with a firm understanding of when to throw themselves in.
Often, it’s the outside centre that tends to drive forwards, whereas the inside centre is the creative hub, exercising good judgement with passing out and kicking.
It’s a position that favours strength and tenacity, as well as the ability to keep cool under pressure. If that sounds like you, give it a go as a number 12 or 13.
15 – FULL-BACK
Last not only in this list but also on the pitch, the full-back acts as a sweeper for the team. Catching and kicking ability are must-haves, both to stop the team from conceding and to launch counter attacks, alongside ice-cold composure.
It’s a role that comes with a lot of pressure. If you fumble it, drop it or spill it, you’ll be giving points away. But if you can own those tense moments and pick yourself up after mishaps, it’s an exhilarating position to play.
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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