What Are the Rugby Positions?

A rugby union team has 15 players on the field: eight forwards, who wear numbers 1 to 8, and seven backs, who wear 9 to 15. Put simply, the forwards win and keep the ball, and the backs use it to attack space and score.

Forwards and backs: the basic difference

• Forwards (1–8) are usually closest to the ball. They pack down in the scrum, compete in lineouts, and do much of the close work around tackles and rucks.
• Backs (9–15) spread out across the field. They pass, run, kick and look for gaps.

Every player still tackles, passes, supports teammates and plays fair. Players of all shapes and sizes play in every position.

The forwards (1 to 8)

Front row: 1, 2 and 3

• Loosehead prop (1) and tighthead prop (3): the pillars of the scrum. They give it strength and help support jumpers at lineouts.
• Hooker (2): packs between the props and tries to hook the ball back with a foot in the scrum. The hooker usually throws the ball in at lineouts.

Second row: 4 and 5

• Locks: often the tallest players. They push in the scrum behind the front row and are the main jumpers at lineouts.

Back row: 6, 7 and 8

• Blindside flanker (6) and openside flanker (7): bind on the sides of the scrum, then race to the ball, tackle and compete for possession.
• Number 8: binds at the back of the scrum, can pick up the ball from there, and carries it hard into the defence.

The backs (9 to 15)

Halves: 9 and 10

• Scrum-half (9): the link between forwards and backs. Puts the ball into the scrum and passes it away quickly from rucks. In New Zealand this is the halfback.
• Fly-half (10): the main decision-maker, choosing whether to pass, run or kick. In New Zealand this is the first five-eighth.

Midfield: 12 and 13

• Inside centre (12) and outside centre (13): run hard at gaps, set up the players outside them and defend the middle of the field. In New Zealand, 12 is the second five-eighth and 13 the centre.

Back three: 11, 14 and 15

• Wings (11 and 14): play out wide near the touchlines. Often quick, they finish many of the team's tries.
• Fullback (15): the last line of defence. Catches high kicks, covers the back of the field and joins the attack.

How their main jobs differ

Junior teams often play with fewer players and modified rules, and young players are encouraged to try different positions. Skills such as scrummaging, lineout lifting and tackling should be learned with a qualified coach.

Quick summary

• A rugby union team has 15 players: 8 forwards (1–8) and 7 backs (9–15).
• Forwards win and keep the ball. Backs use it to find space and score.
• Each position has its own focus, but everyone tackles, passes and supports.

Explaining positions to a young player? Try our kids' guide to rugby positions. Next guide: rugby union vs rugby league.