Rugby Positions

Rugby positions explain not only the positions on the rugby field, but also the functions of each rugby player. Rugby is not a sport for the frail. The objective of the game, like football, is to kick the elongated ball through a pair of stakes which serve as the goal post. Fifteen players make up the standard rugby squad.

1. Hooker is an attacking and defensive rugby position requiring the player's dexterity, speed and lightness of foot. The hooker's function is to handle the ball and to throw it into the lineout. In the scrums, the hooker strives to possess the ball.
2. Loosehead Prop is a rugby position whose function is to be of support to the hooker (another team player position) who is in the scrums (the knot of rugby players joining their heads together surrounding the ball). The loosehead prop is usually a very strapped, built and strong   player. The player has to have a strong neck because of the required pushing which can seriously affect both neck and spine. 
3. Tighthead Prop is another rugby position set at the right side of the scrums. They usually are positioned at the hooker's right side also and must be able to endure the pressure at being in the midst of the scrum, therefore they must be heavy-set with upper body strength. 
4. Second row is another stocky rugby player positioned 
5. Blindside Flankers is a rugby position pressing close by the scrum and remains close to the touchline. In loose play, blindside flankers concern themselves with winning the ball and being supportive to the jumpers (another position). 
6. Openside Flankers is a rugby position at the side of the scrum and most distant  from the touchdown point. Openside flankers must be fast in execution and intervene in the opposing team's backs. 
7. Number 8 is the rugby position placed at the back of the scrums and set between two locks. Number 8s have the responsibility of providing the ball from the scrum's base and of winning the ball at the line-out at the beginning of play. They must be able to shove and tackle with incredible force especially when at the opposition's goal line. 
8. Scrum Half is the rugby position whose role is associated with passing on the ball obtained from the forwards and moving it toward to the back. Scrum halves have impeccable handling skills, with a robust yet smaller frame than other rugby positions. They usually aim at and tackle the forwards of the opposing team. 
9. Fly Half is the rugby position who determines whether the ball is distributed to the back or whether the ball is kicked. The fly half is the key kicker because he boots the ball taking aim at the goal posts from the sides, while also executing drop goals. His pace must be speedy and he must escape the attacks of the forwards. 
10. Inside Centers is a crucial rugby function. His duty is to attack the rivals' defenses where he crashes against bulwarks like a missile. He also support his own teams' defensive wall located at the backline. 
11. Outside Centers is a rugby position which works in collaboration with the inside centers after the latter has created holes in the opponent's defense. Outside centers are the direct bridge between the midfield players and the wingers.
12. Left Wing is a rugby position in which the player seeks to gain possession of the ball and run quickly to the tryline. In this capacity, left wings do not  need to carry much weight. 
13. Right Wing is a rugby position which bears many similarities to the left wing. He has to be swift, and must have a sharp eye to capitalize on opportunities to grasp the ball and race to the tryline. 
14. Full back is a rugby position working in tandem with the team's defences and attacks. He has the catch the ball when it is kicked, always in a prepared attitude to be gang tackled. The key player who kicks the ball out of the hand, he is the chosen most times to boot the ball to the goal posts.