The basic premise is that there are fifteen players in a typical rugby union team. That set-up has been fine-tuned over a number of years. The game is now seen to have a nice balance between skill and tactical nous, allied with strength and attrition.
Each squad is carefully curated with every player given a particular role during the game. This is in slight contrast to football in which players have a little more freedom to roam and create.
How Players Are Used in Rugby
There can only be up to 15 players on the field from each team at any time. With no squad numbers given as in football, players’ positions are highlighted by the numbers worn from 1 to 15. Those positions are divided essentially into two categories: the backs (9-15) and the forwards (1-8). We have more info on that below.
Though there are no squad numbers, some players are versatile and may change position and number from one game to the next. It is also possible for players to change their position during the game. In football, central defenders and goalkeepers tend to be taller, but increasingly those elsewhere on the pitch can be a whole range of body sizes and types. In rugby, things need to be a little more rigid in that regard.
With each position carrying a different need, players tend to stick to a specialism. Speed versus strength is the major point of difference when a player chooses a position.
Replacements
In rugby union games as many as 8 replacements can be made. The substitute players are numbered from 16 to 23 and can take up the position of the player they are replacing, though a positional shuffle can also be allowed after they enter the field.
Substitutions can be made for various reasons; fatigue, injury and tactical changes being the main reasons.
- Permanent Replacements: Substitutions used to replace someone for one of the above reasons, the withdrawn player not being allowed back on the field.
- Temporary Replacements: Substitutions used only certain situations, i.e., a blood injury or an HIA – head injury assessment. The player withdrawn can re-enter play if the issue raised is resolved within a certain time.
Replacement Rules
- Replacements can only be made when the ball becomes dead. Referee’s permission is also needed.
- In some circumstances, rolling substitutions are allowed, permitting players to be reused during the game.
- Replacements are usually numbers from 16 to 23.
- Up to 8 replacements are allowed, but in some circumstances, match organisers can change this number.
Positions in a Rugby Team
Though things have changed over the years, rugby union positions are pretty set now. That said, they are often known by different names around the world. Before, outside centres and wings were known as ‘centre three-quarter’ and ‘wing three-quarter’. Also, ‘wing forward’ was used tom describe what is now a flanker.
Northern Hemisphere terminology tends to be standardised in World Rugby but even then, there can be small differences. Fly-half is often known as ‘outside-half’ or ‘stand-off’ in Britain, while ‘outhalf’ can be used in Ireland. The scrum-half position is still known as ‘half-back’ in New Zealand, while over in the States and Canada the term ‘8-man’ is coined for the number 8.
Backs
Backs are used in rugby to both create and convert points. Often, such players are small and faster than the forwards, much in the same way that wingers in football tend to be agile while defenders are bigger and stronger. Backs usually have better ball-handling and kicking abilities, most notably the full-back, scrum-half and fly-half.
Half-Backs
Half-backs are made up of the scrum-half and fly-half positions. The latter is integral to a team’s strategy, usually choreographing their team’s play. The fly-half will usually be the first player to get the ball from the scrum-half after a breakdown, scrum or lineout. Most often, the fly-half is also the team’s kicker and is responsible for scoring most of the points.
Scrum-halves are the links between the backs and the forwards. They will get the ball after the lineout and also remove the ball from the back of a scrum. They will usually then pass it to the fly-half. Scrum-halves also feed the scrum.
Three-Quarters
Three-quarter positions are made up of two wings (right and left) and two centres (inside and outside). The centres attempt to tackle opposing attacking players and while in attack themselves, will use strength and speed to get through defences. Wings are placed outside of the backline.
The main remit is to finish off attacking moves and score tries, the wings most often being the quickest players in a team who can use agility to avoid tackles and create chances.
Full-Back
Positioned usually a few metres behind the back line, full-backs often have the job of fielding opposing kicks and act as the last line of defence when the opposition breaks through the back line. Catching ability and good kicking are attributes needed in a full-back.
Forwards
Forwards are tasked with gaining and retaining possession. Tackling and rucking opponents is key. The forwards are usually the bigger, stronger players in a rugby team and take part in lineouts and scrums. Together, forwards are known as “the pack”.
Front Row
There are three players in the front row: the hooker and two props (tighthead prop and loosehead prop). The props’ role is to support the hooker in the scrum, offer strength in rucks and mauls and help out the jumpers during lineouts.
The hooker position is important during attacking and defensive move, being responsible for winning the ball during the scrum. The hooker usually throws the ball in during lineouts.
Second Row
In the second row there are two locks or lock forwards. The locks are often the tallest players in a team, specialising naturally in lineouts. The lock’s main role is to perform a standing jump supported by other forwards. This allows them either to collect the ball or at least facilitate it coming down on their team’s side.
Back Row
The back row is often confused with the ‘backs’, but in fact is the third and final row of the forward players. These players are often known also as loose forwards. The back row is made up of two flankers and a number 8. The ‘number 8’ is an actual position and doesn’t only refer to the number the player wears. Flankers (blindside and openside) make up the final row of a scrum.
Flankers are often the most mobile forwards in the team. Their primary role is to win possession of the ball via turnovers. The number 8 will pack down between the two locks at the back of a scrum. In the scrum, the number 8 controls the ball after it has been heeled back and provides a link between the backs and the forwards during attacks.
Number of Players: Union v League
When rugby split, the rules were formed for each code and that included the number of players used. While we’ve concentrated here on rugby union’s 15 players, in league only 13 starters are named.
That game tends to be played at a quicker pace and thus the general make-up of a team is different. Union is certainly more about strength in many areas, leading to the need for some of the playing positions named above.
Rugby Sevens
.jpg){kind=link}
An Olympic sport in its own right, Rugby Sevens shows off a fast-paced game which has grown in popularity around the world over the years.
As the name suggests, only seven players feature on each team in this format of the game. Five more are used as replacements. This is a game of exceptional individual skill and we have a separate, more detailed page on this.
Other Rugby Variants
Most worldwide rugby games are played under the auspices of union, league or sevens. That said, numerous other variants of the game exist with differing player numbers.
Touch Rugby and Beach Rugby are two forms of the game increasingly in popularity. Touch rugby, much like touch football in America, is a non-contact version of the game. It features flexibility in team size and serves a great purpose, especially in younger age groups, for getting new players into rugby.
Some matches played informally may feature only five or six players on each team, allowing for great flexibility in terms of position and learning. There are recognised international regulations for touch rugby, though variation is actively encouraged. Given that it is a non-contact sport, one such variation is the incarnation of mixed teams with males and females playing together and against each other.
Rugby Player Numbers and Positions: Brief History
In the earliest years only two positions were utilised; most participants were in the forwards, and they formed the scrimmage. That name remains in American football, but in rugby was later changed to the ‘scrummage’ and later the ‘scrum’. A few defensive ‘tends’ were also used. As attacking possibilities were realised, backs and half-backs were introduced and ultimately positions were refined to what we see today.
Back in 1871, the first rugby international match was played between England and Scotland. Then, as many as 20 players were named on each side consisting of 13 forwards, 3 half-backs, a three-quarter and 3 full-backs. Player numbers were eventually reduced to 15 in 1877. The numbers we see on jerseys were first introduced in the 1920’s and have been in place for more than a century.