|
Positions |
| Backs |
The group of players normally numbered 9 through 15 who do not participate in scrums and lineouts, except for the scrumhalf. |
| Centre |
Either of the the backs wearing No. 12 (inside) or No. 13 (outside). Powerful runners who are the heart of the back running
attack and defense. The inside centre can also be called the 2nd 5/8th. |
| Flanker |
Either of the two forwards wearing No. 6 or No. 7. Also called wing forwards or breakaways they bind to the scrum outside of the locks
just behind the outside hip of the props. They can play always on the same side of the scrum or can specialize
on either the weakside or strongside.
The players with the fewest set responsibilities, their job is to aggresively pursue the ball,
gain possesion, and take off running.Also known as Breakaway Forward. |
| Flyhalf |
The back wearing No. 10 who normally recieves the ball from the scrumhalf. Also called the Outhalf, Outside half or 1st 5/8th,
he/she will call plays for the backline, pass the ball to other backs, or provide most of the tactical kicks. Also known as First 5/8th. |
| Forwards |
The group of players normally numbered 1 through 8 who bind together into scrums, lineup for lineouts, and committ themselves to most
rucks and mauls. |
| Fullback |
The back wearing No. 15 who normally plays deep behind the backline. In offense the fullback is a dangerous attacking position
hitting holes unexpectedly at pace, in defense the fullback has primary responsibility for covering all tactical kicks down field by the
opposition. |
| Hooker |
The frontrow forward wearing No. 2. The player is supported on either side in the scrum by props and is required to gain possession
of the ball in the scrum by hooking or blocking the ball with one of his/her feet. The hooker will normally also be the forward who throws
the ball into the lineout. |
| Lock |
Either of the two forwards normally wearing No. 4 and No. 5. Typically the largest players on the field, they have primary
responsibility for being the power in scrums and securing the ball in lineouts. Due to their size, they are also normally powerful
forces in all loose play, rucks, and mauls. Also known as Second Row |
| Prop |
Either of the two forwards normally wearing No. 1 (Loosehead) or No. 3 (Tighthead). Responsibilites are to support the hooker
during scrums and 2nd rows during lineouts. |
| Scrumhalf |
The back wearing No. 9 who normally feeds the ball into a scrum and retrieves the ball at the base of scrums, rucks, and mauls.
Can also be called the halfback. |
| Wing/Winger |
Either of the two backs wearing No. 11 or No. 14. Each will normally stay on the same side of the back line they are on throughout
the match and are typically expected to be the fastest sprinters in the side. Wingers also have key duties during defense helping the fullback
cover kicks and counterattacking. |
| Need To Know Terms |
| Binding |
The careful method players grip and grasp each other to form a secure scrum, ruck, or maul. This is a critical skill to ensure the safety of players. |
| Knock On |
Losing, dropping, or knocking the ball forward from a player's hand resulting in the ball being awarded to the other team in a scrum. |
| Lineout |
The setplay restarting play after the ball has been taken out or kicked to touch. Both sets of forwards will line up opposite each other with the side with throw calling a play. The throw must be directly down the middle of the two lines. |
| Maul |
Typically after a runner has come into contact and the ball is still being held by a player once any combination of at least three players have bound themselves a maul has been set. The primary difference from a ruck is that the ball is not on the ground. |
| Offsides |
During rucks, scrums, lineouts, and mauls an imaginary line is present over which any player crossing before the set piece is completed committs a penalty. |
| Pack |
Another name for all the forwards usually when they are bound for a scrum.
|
| Pitch |
The field upon which a rugby match is played. |
| Ruck |
Typically after a runner has come into contact and the ball has been delivered to the ground once any combination of at least three players have bound themselves a ruck has been set. The primary difference from a maul is that the ball is on the ground. |
| Scrum |
The formation used in the setplay restarting play after a knock-on or forward pass. The forwards from each side bind together and then the two packs come together to allow the scrumhalf with the feed to deliver the ball to the scrum. A scrum can also be awarded or chosen in different circumstances by the referee. |
| Scrumdown |
The coming together of the scrum |
| Touch (Touchline) |
The out of bounds line that runs on either side of the pitch. The non-contact version of rugby is also commonly called touch. |
| Try |
A score of 5 points awarded when the ball is carried or kicked across the tryline and touched down to the ground by a player. |
