Quick-reference guides to all 15 positions in rugby union — what each player does, where they stand, and the key attributes for the role. Use this as a reference when watching matches or choosing your position.

The Forwards (1–8)

1. Loosehead Prop

  • Role: Anchors the left side of the scrum. Provides power and stability in set pieces.
  • Also does: Carries in contact, defends the fringes, supports ball carriers at breakdown
  • Key attributes: Strength, scrummaging technique, low body position, physicality
  • Typical build: Stocky, powerful, low centre of gravity

2. Hooker

  • Role: Throws in at lineouts and strikes for the ball in scrums. A leadership position.
  • Also does: Carries hard in contact, significant tackler, often involved in loose play
  • Key attributes: Lineout throwing accuracy, scrummaging, ball carrying, leadership
  • Typical build: Compact, strong, athletic for the position

3. Tighthead Prop

  • Role: Anchors the right side of the scrum — the most technically demanding scrummaging position.
  • Also does: Similar loose play role to loosehead
  • Key attributes: Elite scrummaging technique, strength, ability to dominate opposition loosehead
  • Typical build: The biggest and most powerful of the front row

4 & 5. Locks (Second Row)

  • Role: The engine of the scrum, pushing through the front row. Win lineout ball.
  • Also does: Carries in contact, contests opposition lineouts, covers ground in loose play
  • Key attributes: Height (for lineout), power, work rate, lineout expertise
  • Typical build: Tallest players on the pitch — 6’5″ and above common at elite level

6. Blindside Flanker

  • Role: Defends the narrow (blind) side of the pitch. Physical presence in contact.
  • Also does: Carries hard in contact, strong tackler, covers set pieces
  • Key attributes: Physicality, tackling, covering the breakdown, defensive aggression
  • Typical build: Powerful, athletic, often larger than the openside

7. Openside Flanker

  • Role: The breakdown specialist. Competes for turnovers and disrupts opposition ball.
  • Also does: First to the breakdown, defender, often links backs and forwards
  • Key attributes: Speed to the breakdown, jackaling technique, low body position, engine
  • Typical build: Athletic, quick, often slightly smaller and faster than blindside

8. Number 8

  • Role: Controls the ball at the base of the scrum. Bridge between forwards and backs.
  • Also does: Carries from the base of scrums, significant ball carrier in loose play
  • Key attributes: Ball carrying, decision-making, power, vision, leadership
  • Typical build: Tall, powerful, athletic — often one of the best athletes in the forward pack

The Backs (9–15)

9. Scrum-half

  • Role: The link between forwards and backs. Controls tempo and feeds the backline.
  • Also does: Box kicks, service from set pieces and breakdowns, defensive organiser
  • Key attributes: Pass speed and accuracy, communication, decision-making, kicking game
  • Typical build: Smaller, quick, sharp — often the smallest player on the pitch

10. Fly-half

  • Role: The tactical controller. Directs the team’s game plan and often the goal kicker.
  • Also does: Kicks for territory and position, runs lines to create space, defensive organiser
  • Key attributes: Kicking (place and off hand), decision-making, vision, composure under pressure
  • Typical build: Varied — some fly-halves are big ball carriers, others are lighter and quicker

12. Inside Centre

  • Role: Hard-running ball carrier in midfield. Provides the line break and offload.
  • Also does: Defensive anchor in midfield, targets opposing fly-half in defence
  • Key attributes: Physicality, ball carrying power, tackling, support play
  • Typical build: Often the most physical back — strong and powerful in contact

13. Outside Centre

  • Role: Creates space for the wide backs and finishes or creates scoring opportunities.
  • Also does: Defensive cover in midfield, distributes to wings
  • Key attributes: Speed, footwork, passing, defensive discipline
  • Typical build: Athletic, quick, strong enough for midfield contact

11 & 14. Wings

  • Role: Finishers. Score tries when the ball reaches the wide channels.
  • Also does: Kicks in behind, chase kicks, cover the back field defensively
  • Key attributes: Pace, finishing ability, aerial skills, footwork
  • Typical build: Usually the fastest players on the pitch

15. Fullback

  • Role: Last line of defence. Catches kicks, covers the back field and joins attacks.
  • Also does: Counterattacks from deep, goal kicking (at some clubs), aerial contests
  • Key attributes: Aerial ability, positioning, counterattacking, composure under pressure
  • Typical build: Athletic, good in the air, often one of the strongest runners in the backline

Quick Reference Table

# Position Key job
1 Loosehead Prop Scrum left side
2 Hooker Lineout throwing, scrum strike
3 Tighthead Prop Scrum right side
4 Lock Scrum engine, lineout jumper
5 Lock Scrum engine, lineout jumper
6 Blindside Flanker Physical defender, blind side cover
7 Openside Flanker Breakdown specialist, turnovers
8 Number 8 Scrum base, ball carrier
9 Scrum-half Link between forwards and backs
10 Fly-half Tactical controller, kicker
11 Left Wing Finisher, speed
12 Inside Centre Power runner, midfield defence
13 Outside Centre Creator, distributor
14 Right Wing Finisher, speed
15 Fullback Last line of defence, counterattacker

For a full guide to each position and what makes a good player in each role, see the Positions Explained guide.