Rugby basics
In fifteen-a-side rugby, each player wears a number from 1 to 15. Every position has a different role, but rugby works best when all of them support each other. You do not need to know your position before starting: new players can explore different roles as they learn.
Where the numbers begin
The forwards start closest to the opposition, with the backs positioned behind them to organise and use space.
Direction of attack ↑
One team
Forwards are usually closest to the ball in scrums, lineouts and physical phases. Backs generally use the space created by the forwards to organise play, pass, kick and attack wider areas of the pitch. In reality, every player runs, passes, defends and supports the team.
Positions describe responsibilities, not who is more important. A good team needs every role.
The miniature pitch on each card highlights that number’s usual starting area in the simplified formation.
Numbers 1, 2 and 3 form the front of the scrum and work together to make it stable and safe.
Supports the scrum on the left side, helps secure possession close to the ball and contributes in tackles, carries and rucks.
Good to know: Props learn specialised scrum technique gradually. Nobody should play in the front row without appropriate coaching and safety preparation.
Stands between the props, hooks the ball in the scrum and usually throws it into lineouts. The hooker also contributes heavily in defence and around the breakdown.
Anchors the right side of the scrum and works with the hooker and loosehead prop to provide a stable platform. Also carries, tackles and supports close phases.
Good to know: Like every front-row role, tighthead prop requires progressive coaching and safe scrum preparation.
The locks pack behind the front row in the scrum and are central to lineouts.
Usually helps lift or jump in the lineout, supports the scrum from behind the front row and brings power in carries, rucks and defence.
Shares the second-row role: helping drive the scrum, compete in lineouts and provide power and support around the pitch.
Good to know: Numbers 4 and 5 have similar responsibilities, which can vary with the team’s tactics.
Flankers and the number eight cover ground quickly, contest possession and connect phases.
Defends close to the physical action, supports carries and tackles, and helps protect the team around rucks and set pieces.
Good to know: “Blindside” means the narrower side of the scrum, not a fixed place for the whole match.
Often works around the wider side of the scrum and aims to arrive quickly at tackles, rucks and support situations.
Good to know: The number 6 and 7 roles vary between teams. Both are active, all-round positions.
Controls the ball at the back of the scrum, links forwards and backs, and contributes in carries, defence and support play.
Numbers 9 and 10 connect the forwards with the wider backs and help organise possession.
Connects forwards and backs by moving the ball away from rucks, scrums and lineouts. Often helps organise the tempo of play.
Good to know: The scrum-half is often near the action, but does not need to be physically large.
Helps guide the attack, decides whether to pass, run or kick, and communicates how the team will use possession.
Good to know: The fly-half often directs play, but leadership is shared across the team.
The centres connect the fly-half with the outside backs in attack and defence.
Links the fly-half with the wider backs, often carries into contact and helps organise defensive lines.
Attacks and defends in wider channels, supports breaks and helps connect the centres with the wings.
Good to know: Centres can have different styles. Positioning and communication matter as much as speed or power.
The two wings and full-back cover the widest and deepest areas of the pitch.
Uses space near the left touchline, supports attacking breaks and defends the outside edge of the pitch.
Good to know: Wings do more than score: they make important defensive decisions and help field kicks.
Uses space near the right touchline, supports attacking breaks and defends the outside edge of the pitch.
Good to know: Wings do more than score: they make important defensive decisions and help field kicks.
Usually plays deepest in defence, catches kicks, helps organise the backfield and joins the attack when opportunities appear.
Good to know: The full-back needs awareness and calm decision-making, not just speed.
Working together
No group works alone. Possession, pressure, organisation and space combine to move the team forward.
| Group | Usually closest to | Main contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Front five | Scrums and lineouts | Stable possession |
| Back row | Tackles and rucks | Pressure and support |
| Half-backs | Ball distribution | Organising play |
| Wider backs | Open space | Creating and finishing attacks |
Touch Rugby
Touch Rugby does not use scrums, lineouts or contact, so the traditional 1–15 positions do not apply in the same way. Players still take on responsibilities such as organising play, carrying, passing, defending space and supporting teammates, but these roles are more fluid.
Trying different roles is part of learning. Our coaches will help you find what feels right.