BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Laws & Equipment | What is a line-out? What is a line-out? The line-out is another awesome sight in rugby union. It is a way of restarting play after the ball has been knocked or kicked out of play past the touch line. The line-out consists of three to eight players from each side, up to 16 in total, and is taken where the ball went out of play. The aim of each player is simply to get their hands on the ball for their team. So how does it work? The advantage is with the team throwing in. They get the ball because they were not the team who last touched the ball before it went out. They also get to decide how many players will make up the line-out. FORMING A LINE-OUT The eight forwards and the scrum-half are the players who make up the line-out. The most important players are the hooker, the two second rows and scrum-half. They are responsible for getting the ball out to the backs or for the rest of the forwards. That does not mean the other players have nothing to do. Far from it.

The line-out must be formed past the five-metre line and no more than 15m in from the touchline, and both teams must have a one metre gap between them. If the referee decides one team has purposely closed the gap, a penalty will be awarded to the other team. LINE-OUT THROWS The hooker is usually the player with the job throwing the ball into a line-out. Their aim is to find the "jumpers", usually the two second rowers. But this is not easy. The other team also want the ball, so they'll be doing all they can to upset the hooker's throw. The hooker gets a call from one of the jumpers or the scrum half, usually in a code no-one except your team understands, on who to aim the throw at. They must stand behind the touch line when they make their throw. And the throw must be deadly straight, otherwise the referee will have the line-out taken again, but this time the opposition get the throw in.

RETAKEN THROWS The line-out may look very simple, but it has plenty of laws every player must follow: The ball must be thrown straight All players not in the line-out must be 10m behind the last man in the line No player can use a one of the opposition to use as support when they are jumping No player is allowed to push, charge or hold another player in the line-out No player can be lifted before the ball is thrown No jumper can use the outside of their arm to catch or deflect the ball Depending on how serious the offence is, the referee will either award a penalty or free-kick to the team who did not make the offence. Basics of Rugby - The Lineout THE LINEOUT When is a line out formed?... The line out is another one of the awesome sites of rugby union. It is a way of re-starting play after the ball has been knocked or kicked out of play past the touch line. The line out is taken on the exact spot where the ball went out of play. It can have anywhere between three to eight players from each side in it, up to 16 in total, all aiming to get their hands on the ball for their team. So how does it work?

The advantage is with the team throwing in. They get the ball because they were not the team who last touched the ball before it went out. They also get to decide how many players will make up the line out. Forming a line out... The eight forwards and the scrum-half are the players who make up the line out. The most important players in the line out are the hooker, the two second rows and the scrum-half. They are the players responsible for getting the ball out to the backs or for the rest of the forwards to attack. But that does not mean the other players have nothing to do. Far from it. More will be explained in the next sections. The line out must be formed past the five metre line and no more than 15m in from the touchline. Both teams must have a one metre gap between them. This is very important and something referees can spot a mile off. If the referee decides one team has purposely closed the gap, he will award a penalty to the other team. Throwing in at the line out... The hooker is usually the player with the task to throw the ball into a line out. Their job is to find the "jumpers", usually the two second rowers.

But this is not as easy as it seems. Remember, the other team wants the ball just as much as your team does, so they'll be doing all they can to upset the hooker's throw. The hooker gets a call from one of the jumpers or the scrum half, usually in a code no-one except your team understands, on who to aim the throw at. They must stand behind the touch line when they make their throw. And the throw must be deadly straight, otherwise the referee will have the line out taken again, but this time the opposition get the throw in. When is a line out re-taken?...

The line out may look very simple, but it has plenty of laws every player must follow: The ball must be thrown straight All players not in the line out must be 10m behind the last man in the line out No player can use a one of the opposition to use as support when they are jumping No player is allowed to push, charge or hold another player in the line out No player can be lifted before the ball is thrown No jumper can use the outside of their arm to catch or deflect the ball Depending on how serious the offence is, the referee will either award a penalty or free-kick to the team who did not make the offence. The scrum has collapsed before the ball has been fed or before the ball Rugby Rules & Regulations | iSport.com Rugby Rules & Regulations Rugby Rules & Regulations The game of rugby can appear complicated and illogical for those who are unfamiliar with it. Most of these issues are easily resolved with the introduction of a few central principles at the core of the game. There are, as with most organized sports, a seemingly enormous list of rules for every possible event and circumstance.

Although the details of a situation do ultimately decide the outcome, almost all of those same situations are dictated by the core principles that make up the heart of the game. However, before those principles are introduced, it would be helpful to go over the surface-level fundamentals of rugby. The Basics of the Game Just like most other sports, the object is to have more points than the other team at the end of a game. The team with the ball is thought of as the offensive team, just as the team without the ball is on defense. The specifics of the game are also what make rugby uniquely different from most of the other sports to which it is compared (American football and association football, also known as soccer). Complicating things is the fact that there are two different codes (or types) of rugby commonly played throughout the world: Rugby Union (which will be referred to as just ‘Union’) and Rugby League (this will show up as just ‘League’). The games themselves are very similar in most respects, but there are a few key differences that make for two distinct versions of the same game. These differences will come into play later, but for now the focus will remain on the core principles inherent in both versions of the game: Core Principle No.

1: No throwing forward. Throwing the ball forward, or touching it so that you make it go forward, is illegal unless the ball is kicked. To pass the ball legally you must throw it either directly to your side or behind you. The ball may be kicked forward, but touching the ball any other way that causes it to go forward is a penalty – either a forward-pass penalty (if you pass the ball forward) or a knock-on penalty (if you hit the ball with something other than your foot and it goes forward). Core Principle No. 2: There is no blocking in rugby. When you have the ball, it is essentially you against the entire other team. If you have the ball, and someone on your team purposefully gets between you and an opposing player who is trying to tackle you, then your teammate is guilty of obstruction, which is a penalty. Core Principle No. 3: The ball is the offside boundary line. Play will continue until one of three things happens: One team scores, one team commits a penalty, or the ball goes out of bounds. While the ball is in play, its spot on the field determines where each player on both teams needs to be to stay onsides.

Pretend there is a line that extends from the ball across the width of the field at all times. If your team has the ball, your teammates are onsides as long as they stay behind that line. It’s a little different for the other team, as its players are likely coming after whoever has the ball on your team. The other team must come toward the ball-carrier straight on or at least from a forward direction. They’re not allowed to tackle the ball carrier from the side or behind. The nice thing about being offside is that it can be negated without a penalty necessarily being called. Should a player go offside, they only have to get back onside before they make a play on the ball. If they don’t, it’s a penalty. That’s certainly not all that governs a rugby match, but those are a few of the farthest-reaching parts. Before we go further into how the game is played, however, let’s look at the different positions on the field. Also, the majority of this guide will focus on the various facets of the Union code (or version) of rugby.

Some of the bigger differences between Union and League will be mentioned later, but for a full breakdown, please refer to the "League Rugby vs. Union Rugby" guide. Players There are 15 players on a side (or team) in a Union match; for League there are 13. Focusing on Union for now, here’s a list of the positions, with the number next to each position corresponding (usually) to the jersey number that player would wear. For a complete breakdown and description for each of these positions (both Union and League), please check out the “Rugby Positions Explained” article under the ‘Guides’ tab. Backs: Scrum Half (9), Fly Half (10), Wings (11 & 14), Centers (12 & 13), Fullback (15). Though both forwards and backs are on the same team, they’re usually in two separate groups on the pitch during a match. The group of forwards is called the Pack , and the backs make up the Back Line . The forwards do most of the hitting and tackling, while the backs do most of the ball carrying and passing.

Rugby Strategy Because a continuous style of play is inherent, one team might go from offense to defense and back to offense in a ten-second span. Basically, you are on offense if your team has the ball, and you are on defense if the other team possesses the ball. On both offense and defense, the main strategies are pretty simple. Offensive Strategy On offense, the ball carrier will run toward the other team’s try line in an attempt to score a try or goal. When the ball carrier is met by a player on the other team, the ball carrier can pass the ball to a teammate, kick it forward, or try to run through/around the other player. This last option usually results in the ball carrier being tackled, providing an opportunity for the defensive team to contest possession of the ball, or try and take it away from the offensive team. When the ball carrier is tackled, something called a ruck forms. A ruck is essentially a contest where the team with the ball attempts to retain possession of it while the defensive team tries to take it away. During a ruck, the ball carrier who was tackled MUST release the ball and place it on the ground, or that team will be penalized.

At least three people from each team will bind together by locking hands and arms to become a bigger and stronger obstacle for the other team to go through. Each team’s group will attempt to push the other over the ball. If one side attempts to go around the other, they’ll be called for offside. Possession is awarded to whichever side keeps the ball behind them while it’s still on the ground. Play is resumed as soon as the ball is picked up from the ground by someone not involved in the ruck. Sometimes the ball carrier will run into a player on the other team but not get brought to the ground (tackled). When this happens, a different kind of contest for possession takes place. Players from each side (again, at least three) will bind and try to drive the player still holding the ball toward one end of the field or the other, depending on if they’re attacking or defending. This is called a maul and it can continue as long as the ball (and ball carrier) doesn’t stop moving. If the ball stops moving, the ball carrier must either release it to the ground or pass it. Again, if this doesn’t happen, the ball carrier will be called for a penalty.

For more information on attacking tactics, please go to the ‘Guides’ section and read the various guides on offensive strategies. Defensive Strategy Defensive strategy boils down, once again, to a few key elements. When on defense, the players on that team will ideally put themselves in a roughly straight and flat line across the width of the pitch, with one or two backs hanging behind in case the team with the ball kicks it away. They line up across from a player on the offensive team that is usually at least the same size, if not the same position, as the defensive player. This is done in attempt to create a series of 13 to 15 even, one-on-one matchups (because there are 15 players per side). While this sounds simple in nature, remember that there is no stoppage in play just because the ball has gone from one team to the other (unless it’s because of a penalty, or if the ball went out of bounds). Forming the defensive line quickly is crucial. The longer it takes to form, the greater the chances of the offense being able to easily and quickly move the ball down the pitch. The team on defense will try to stop the ball carrier from scoring and hopefully get possession of the ball.

The defensive team can accomplish this by stripping the ball loose from the ball carrier, intercepting a pass, tackling the ball carrier and winning a ruck or maul, or forcing the ball carrier out of bounds. Of course, as soon as the defensive team takes the ball away, they become the attacking team. This also occurs when the team with the ball goes out of bounds or commits a penalty. Again, further information about defensive strategies can also be found in the ‘Guides’ section. Scoring Now that the basic mechanics of the game have been introduced, let’s shift the focus to how scoring happens during the course of a match. There are four different ways to score points. They are... The Try A try is scored when the ball carrier touches the ball in the opposing team’s in-goal zone. To be awarded a try, the ball carrier must maintain control of the ball all the way to the ground with some part of the upper body. The ball cannot be thrown or dropped down. If a defending player hits the ball carrier before the ball is grounded (touched down in a controlled manner), no try is awarded and play will continue. Scoring a try is good for 5 points.

The Conversion Goal After a try is scored, the team that scored has the chance to add two more points by attempting a Conversion Goal . The kick takes place at least 10 meters out from the try line, at a point that’s straight out from where the ball was grounded in the in-goal zone. The Penalty Goal If one team commits a penalty close to its in-goal zone, the non-offending team can elect to try for a penalty goal. The ball is placed on a tee at the spot of the penalty and kicked at the uprights. If it goes through, it’s worth three points. The Drop Goal During the course of normal play, the ball carrier can attempt a Drop Goal l by dropkicking the ball at the other team’s uprights. For a Drop Goal to be awarded, the ball must touch the ground before it’s kicked. If it’s just punted (kicked without touching the ground), no Drop Goal will be awarded. A successful Drop Goal is worth two points. Penalties Although rugby is designed to be a continuous game, play will stop occasionally, if the ball goes out of bounds or one team commits a penalty, also known as an ‘infringement.’ Below are some of the more commonly committed penalties.

For a complete list of the penalties and infringements that can be called during a match, check out IRB’s Laws of the Game site . When most penalties are committed, the referee will allow for advantage play to take place. Advantage play occurs when the referee calls one team for a penalty, but does not immediately stop play because the non-offending team still has a chance to effectively play the ball. This gives the team with the ball an ‘advantage’ over the other team. If the non-offending team cannot make a play, or a member of the offending team prevents the ball from being played, the referee will stop play and award a penalty to the non-offending team. Once a penalty has been awarded, the offending team must back up 10 meters towards its try line, or behind it if they’re within 10 meters. The only way this doesn’t happen is if a scrum takes place, either because the referee orders it (which usually happens after a minor penalty like a knock-on), or the non-offending team chooses it. The non-offending team has a few options.

If it is close to the other team’s try line, a player from the non-offending can attempt a penalty goal, a free kick, or again, have a scrumdown. With a free kick there are two options: The kicker can punt the ball down the field and out of bounds, which results in a Line Out (one of the set pieces coming up later) for that player’s team. The kicker can also quickly start play back up by tapping the ball with his/her foot and charging ahead. This second option is a good choice if the offending team is slow to back up 10 meters, because it cannot make a play on the ball carrier until it does so. If a defensive player goes at the ball carrier before this, another penalty is awarded to the offensive team. Collapsing the scrum : Sometimes during a scrumdown, a player in the front row of one pack will attempt to pull down an opposing player who is directly across from him/her. This is done in attempt to create a weak part in the other team’s scrum, making it easier to push that pack off the ball. Because all the forwards in a pack are connected during a scrum, if one player falls several more usually will, as well.

Sometimes it happens naturally, but if the referee decides that one player is intentionally trying to force the other pack to the ground, that player will be called for collapsing the scrum. Foot up : During a scrum, it is the hooker’s job in each pack to secure the ball for their team after the ball is rolled into the scrum. When the hooker puts his/her foot out before the ball is put in to the scrum, it’s called a ‘foot up’ (or Leg Up). It’s not legal, but if observed by the referee, it usually results in only a warning and another scrum-down. Forward pass : When one player passes the ball to another, the ball must be thrown in a sideways or backwards direction. Any pass thrown in a direction even slightly forward from the ball carrier is a forward pass, which is and illegal. (Core Principle No. 1) High tackle : This is one of the more serious penalties a rugger can commit. A high shot/high tackle is when a player attempts to tackle the ball carrier above the shoulders, usually by the head or neck. It’s a more severe penalty because of the increased likelihood that the player who receives a high shot/high tackle will be seriously injured.

Knock-on : A knock-on is similar to a forward pass in that it’s called any time a player touches the ball (other than kicking) and causes it to move in a forward direction. For example, if one player threw the ball to another player, but it wasn’t caught cleanly and it bounced off the second player’s hand and fell forward, that player is guilty of a knock-on. (Core Principle No. 1) Obstruction : Blocking for the ball carrier is illegal and any purposeful attempt by one offensive player to be in between the ball carrier and a defensive player is obstruction. Occasionally, an offensive player will suddenly be between the ball carrier and a defensive player – after the ball carrier quickly reverses direction, for example. However, as long as the player between the ball carrier and defender makes a visible effort to not get in the defensive player’s way, obstruction usually won’t be called. (Core Principle No. 2) Offside : Just like it says in one of the Core Principles of Rugby, the ball behaves as the onside/offside boundary line. That line extending the width of the field at all times, and moving as the ball moves.

If your team has the ball, your teammates are onsides as long as they stay behind that line. It’s a little different for the other team, as it is likely coming after whoever has the ball on your team. The other team must come straight on toward the ball carrier or at least from a forward direction. The opposing players are not allowed to tackle the ball carrier from the side or behind. Again, should a player be offside, they only have to get back onside before they make a play on the ball. (Core Principle No. 3) Over the top : When a ruck occurs, the offensive and defensive groups involved in the ruck will try to push each other off the ball to gain possession. Members of the defensive group must go through the offensive players who bound up over the ball. Any attempt to jump over the ruck (or come over the top) to get the ball is an infringement. Set Pieces The only instances in which play is stopped occur after one team scores, one team commits a penalty, or the ball goes out of bounds. Either of the last two situations result in a dead ball, which just means that play has stopped.

After one team scores, play is always resumed by another kick-off, but after a penalty or dead ball, play is resumed by using one of two set pieces . This all depends on the circumstances that led to the dead ball – these are lineouts and scrums . The Lineout A Lineout takes place after the ball goes out of bounds. Two groups of players from each team, usually forwards, will line up perpendicular to the spot where the lineout takes place (usually where the ball went out of play) and five meters out from the touch line, with a few meters of space between the lines of players. A player from the team that didn’t cause the ball to go out of bounds will throw the ball in the alley between the two lines of players, and both sides attempt to catch it. Teams will usually have one or two players in each line jump up and grab it while being lifted by their teammates. Technically, play resumes as soon as the ball is thrown in, not after it’s caught. The Scrum Scrums start play back up after a minor penalty or stoppage takes place (at the referee’s discretion) or the non-offending team chooses it after a penalty.

A scrum (or scrumdown) is when both packs bind together (with each other, not both teams combined) and are brought together. The team possessing the ball rolls it in the alley (the space between the two packs) and the packs begin to push against each other in an attempt to secure possession of the ball. The ball is won in a scrum by slowly rolling it to the back of the pack, where a player not in the scrum (except occasionally the eight man) will pick the ball up, resuming play. Rugby Union vs. Rugby League The two codes of rugby share many of the same characteristics, especially regarding penalties, methods of scoring, and the physicality. However, there are enough differences to warrant a list that accurately illustrates how League and Union differ. Number of players per side: In Union, there are 15 players on the pitch for each team, unless one gets sent to the sin bin or sent off. In League, there are only 13 per side, with the same exception made for penalized players. Markings on, and size of, the pitch: The dimensions of the pitch are similar for both codes, though Union pitches have larger in-goal zones than League pitches do.

The lines on each pitch are noticeably different as well. Right to contest the ball: This is probably the characteristic that most deviates League from Union. In League, the team with the ball has six attempts to move the ball down the pitch and score – the end of one attempt signified by the ball carrier being tackled. After the sixth attempt, the ball automatically goes to the other team. In Union, however, play doesn’t reset after every tackle, and the defensive team can contest the possession of the ball – meaning that during rucks, mauls, scrums and lineouts, they can go after the ball rather than just wait until the attacking team runs out of attempts. Jersey numbers associated with positions: In Union, the forwards wear jersey Nos. 1 though 8, while backs wear 9 through 15. In League, however, the order is reversed, with backs wearing Nos. 1 through 7 and forwards wearing 8 through13. Points awarded for scoring: The methods of scoring are the same in both codes, but the points awarded in League are slightly different.

Here is a breakdown of the scoring for both codes: Try: 5 for Union, 4 for League Goal/Goal Kick: 2 points for both Union and League Penalty Kick: 3 for Union, 2 for League Drop Goal: 3 for Union, 1 for League Using the Knowledge That's the game of rugby on a very technical level. Of course, as with all sports it's much easier to understand how the game is played by actually watching it. Hopefully the information found here will encourage you to do just that! Share this Guide: Rugby Football History All Blacks Barbarians Canada British & Irish Lions Ireland Scotland Springboks USA Wales Wallabies Introduction Originally the number of players in a game of Rugby football was not limited, and there were no formal playing positions. Games at rugby school were simply played by however many boys wanted to play in a particular game. A kind of huge rolling maul developed, moving around the field since there was a very limited amount of space on the field in which to run. As the game began to be played between different schools and clubs a fixed number of players was needed. This then allowed players to start specializing in certain positions and to develop particular skills appropriate to those positions.

Rugby teams were then limited to twenty players made up of seventeen forwards and three full backs whose sole job was to maintain possession if the opposition managed to hack it out the scrum. Circa 1875 the number of players in a team was reduced to fifteen (ten forwards and five backs). Today the player names, positions and numbers worn on shirts are defined by the International Rugby Board (IRB). Players usually have the following position names and numbers although there are some local variations in namingin common use: F full back 1 & 3 Prop Along with the hooker, the loose-head and tight-head props make up what is known as the front row, which refers to their position in the scrum. To be successful, both props must be extremely strong in the neck, shoulders, upper body and legs, and they should relish head-to-head competition. While stopping their side of the scrum from moving backwards, the props also support the hooker's body weight, allowing him or her to see and strike the ball when it is put into the scrum. In the lineout, props should be able to support or lift the jumper to prevent the opposition winning the ball.

Away from set pieces, props help to secure the ball when a player has been tackled, so it helps if they can combine their power with a degree of mobility. You’ll also often see them used as battering rams in attack, receiving short passes after a ruck or maul and hitting the opposition defence at pace in an attempt to occupy the defenders and make space for their own backs. 2 Hooker Lining up in the scrum between the two props, the hooker is one of the forwards’ key decision-makers. He or she will coordinate the timing at the scrum, and is also responsible for winning possession in the scrummage by hooking the ball back through the props' legs. To allow the hooker to do this effectively, the props support much of the hooker’s weight, leaving him or her free to concentrate on hooking the ball back, rather than pushing against the opposition forwards. For this reason the hooker is often the smallest member of a front-row trio. At the lineout he or she is responsible for throwing the ball in and must be able to accurately hit the lineout jumper who is expecting the ball.

In open play the hooker plays a similar role to the props, securing possession at rucks and mauls, or taking short ‘crash’ passes. 4 & 5 Lock The second row forwards (also known as locks) are the engine room of the scrum and the target men in the lineout, meaning that they need to be tall, powerful players with excellent scrummaging technique and pinpoint timing. If they bind to each other and the props too loosely in the scrum their pack will lose power, and if they are not accurate and dynamic with their lineout jumping, it offers the opposition forwards a chance to steal possession. In open play the second row’s duties have evolved from being support players at rucks and mauls to ball carriers. If a marauding second row is comfortable with the ball in hand, their bulk and power makes them very difficult to stop. 6 & 7 Flanker Open-side and blind-side flankers are often considered to be the players with the fewest set responsibilities, but as such must be excellent all-rounders with inexhaustible energy. Speed, strength, fitness, tackling and handling skills are all vital.

Flankers are more often than not at the centre of the action – winning balls at the ruck and maul, collecting short passes from tackled players and making their own big tackles in open play. While they can rarely be blamed for a loss, they can certainly be the key to victory. The open-side flanker plays on the far side of the scrum from the touchline and is often smaller in size than their blind-side partner, making them more mobile around the pitch. The blind-side flanker tends to have bigger, more physical role around the pitch, and also acts as a target jumper in the lineout. 8 Number Eight Support play, tackling and ball-carrying are the No.8’s areas of expertise, making his or her duties similar to the two flankers. Together the trio forms a unit called the back row. Binding on right at the back of the scrum, the No.8 is also the only player from the forwards who is allowed to pick the ball up from the base of the scrum. It is a move that is often used to gain vital yards when a team is scrummaging close to the opposition try line, and for it to be truly effective the No.8 must be an explosive, dynamic runner.

9 Scrum-Half Acting as the link between the forwards and the backs, the scrum half is a key player when it comes to building attacks. Playing just behind the forwards, a good scrum half will control exactly when the ball is fed out to the backs from the rear of a scrum, ruck or maul. A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. They tend to be one of the smaller players on the pitch and so rely on protection from their own forwards. An indecisive or poorly protected scrum half makes easy meat for a rampaging opposition flanker. 10 Fly-Half The heartbeat of the side and arguably the most influential player on the pitch. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, who also has the responsibility of deciding when to pass the ball out to the centres and when to kick for position. The fly half must orchestrate the team's back line, deciding what rehearsed moves to put into action and reacting to gaps in defence. He or she is also the main target for the defending team's open-side flanker and so must be strong in the tackle.

The fly half has to be able to relieve territorial pressure by kicking down the field into touch, and is often the team's designated place kicker for conversions, penalties and drop goal attempts. In defence he or she will marshal the backs to ensure each opposition player is covered, and a strong-tackling fly half can snuff out opposition attacks before they start. 11 & 14 Wing Playing out wide on the side of the pitch, the winger is a team’s finisher in attack. A winger is also often the last line of defence when they don’t have the ball and as such, pace is their major resource. 12 & 13 Centre The inside centre – who stands closest to the fly half when the backs line up – and the outside centre tend to be strong, dynamic runners with a good eye for exposing gaps in the opposition defence. In attack they tend to run very direct lines. The centres take on their opposite number in an attempt to either break the defensive line, or draw in enough opposition defenders to create space and try-scoring opportunities for their team-mates. As such they need to be strong and powerful, and when attack turns into defence, they must also be accomplished at tackling.

The inside centre is often the more creative in a centre pairing and should be able to pass and kick nearly as well as the fly half. In either defence or attack, the inside centre tends to be all action – dishing out the tackles and then drawing the opposition defence. Meanwhile, the outside centre tends to be the faster of the two and the ability to offload the ball quickly to the wingers is also vital. 15 Full-back Lining up behind the entire back line, the full back is the closest thing that rugby has to a sweeper in defence. But they also receive deep kicks from the opposition, so they must be comfortable catching high balls and launching attacks from the resulting possession. As such, the full back must have enough tactical awareness to recognise when to counter-kick, and when to run with the ball, often from deep within his or her half. Having started life as a winger, ex-England, Sale and British Lions player Jason Robinson was an excellent example of a running full back who also had the ability to kick his way out of trouble – the perfect combination for a number 15.

This high-pressure position is not for the faint-hearted, but those who can combine tackling, kicking, catching and running with a cool head can excel here. Player line-up Players will typically line up as follows at a scrum: Position Hierarchy Here is a hierarchy of player position naming including collective terms, the corresponding common player numbering shown in parenthesis: Forwards Notes: In some countries the term halfback refers solely to the scrum half, while in other countries it applies to both the scrum half and the fly half. New Zealand saw advantage in having a fourth player in the three-quarters placing a forward between the half back and the three-quarters. Legend has it that the position was named by deciding that the half back was 4/8ths and the three-quarters 6/8ths, so therefore the new position must be a 5/8ths. When fly half play developed they introduced the first 5/8th and the second 5/8th. Hence the fly half is sometimes referred to as the 1st 5/8, implying a slightly deeper position than halfback and the inside centre is sometimes referred to as the 2nd 5/8 implying a more forward position than a 3/4 back.

Centres used to be called Centre Three-quarters and Wings, Wing Three-quarters. The term three quarters collectively describes the centers, wings and full-back. In some countries the Flankers are referred to as 'Break-aways' e.g. New Zealand. In some countries the No. 8 is referred to as the 'Last man down' e.g. New Zealand. Additional collective terms: History of Positions Origin of the Half-Back (collective name for Fly-half and Scrum-half) Originally the rules described three full backs which was later changed to one and the other two players were then stationed at a midpoint between the forwards and the full backs and were to be called half-way backs. In time this was shortened to half backs. Their role and that of the full back continued to be to fall on the ball in the event of the opposition hacking it out of the scrum. Origin of Fly-Half In 1878 at Cardiff, in Wales, they developed a short pass to one of the half backs who would then go charging ahead with the ball. He became known as the flying half back which in time was shortened to the fly half.

In New Zealand the fly half is sometimes referred to as the 1st 5/8, implying a slightly deeper position than halfback. Origin of the three-quarters In the 1880’s the game had spread to the Universities, particularly Cambridge and Oxford, whose input lead to far more thought being put into the game and the style of play that was developed. They were instrumental in the development of the games tactics, the introduction of need to practice and the coaching of the players. In addition they re organised the scrum, developed short passes amongst the forwards and long passes amongst the backs. This led to the need for more players to be placed in the back line between the halves and the full back. The fraction between a half and a whole (full) is three-quarters. Note: One alternative theory for why they are called three-quarters is that these new positions were called 'quarters' and the fact that three of them were put in this position led to them being known as three-quarters. But this seems unlikely since there is an obvious progression from Half-back (half-way from the from of the scrum to the full back), Five-eighths, three-quarters, full back..

Scotland claim the honour of having first introduced a third three-quarter, against Ireland in 1881. Origin of the centre and wings The middle player being called the centre with the two on his outside called wings. Fouth three-quarter The introduction of a fourth player into the three-quarters was to a large extent, accidental, with Wales again being allowed to take the honour. In 1885 Cardiff were due to play a tough match away from home and their first choice centre was not available so they promoted one Frank E. Hancock from the second side in his place. Hancock was a great success scoring two vital tries. When the Cardiff selectors sat down to pick their team for the next match they were keen to revert to their original team, but they were most reluctant to drop Hancock, so they compromised by introducing a fourth three-quarter. Within two years Wales had introduced it at international level. The New Zealanders were quick to see the advantage of having a fourth player in the three-quarters. Their solution was to pull a forward out the pack and put him between the half back and the three-quarters. Their problem was what did they call the new position.

Legend has it that consent was reached by deciding that the half back was 4/8ths and the three-quarters 6/8ths, so therefore the new position must be a 5/8ths, a name that has continued to this day in that country. When fly half play developed they introduced the first 5/8th and the second 5/8th. Origin of the Number 8 This is a two-part question. In summary, the No 8 position evolved in South Africa, but was christened in New Zealand. a) How did the No.8 evolve? The position now known as No.8 evolved in South Africa in the 1920s. Before the Great War a number of scrum patterns were tried. Most involved a three-man front-row in a 3-3-2 or more commonly 3-2-3 pack. Paddy Carolin of the 1906 Springboks claimed to have experimented with a 3-4-1 formation. New Zealand most notably always used a 2-3-2 system. Their so-called diamond scrum had a rover to act as a detached winging forward who could also double as a second scrum-half.

The Law dictating that a scrum must have a three-man front-row did not come into effect until the 1951-2 season (Law 15c.). New Zealand apart, forwards in Test matches were selected primarily for their all-round skills - there were no fixed position in the early days. The first forwards up for a scrum were the first to pack down, although by the early 1900s there was usually one player specifically chosen to hook and one to act as a wing forward. There is evidence that early Australian and French packs experimented with fixed places for their players under the 3-2-3 formation, but it wasn't until 1923 that Wavell Wakefield, as pack leader, allocated fixed positions to England's forwards. Two were devolved to prop up their hooker, while two formed the second-row. Behind them was a back-row of two wing-forwards either side of a middle man who was then called the lock or lock-forward - the position from which the No 8 has evolved. England won the Grand Slam that year and specialism became the norm in the Home Unions.

Meanwhile in South Africa, Oubaas Markötter of the famous Stellenbosch club developed the 3-4-1 pack formation to curb a fly-half named Bennie Osler, who was the master kicker and tactician for their great rivals at the University of Cape Town. Markötter's new scrum was essentially the 3-2-3 scheme but with the wing-forwards from the back-row flanking the second-row instead - and therefore closer to the fly-half. That helped to address the Osler problem, but other advantages of the formation became apparent. With only one man at the back, the ball was heeled from the scrum more quickly, while the opposing scrum-half and loose forwards found it harder to disrupt possession. In addition, the inward push from the flankers at the scrum channelled considerable drive through their props and put extra pressure on the opposition hooker. All South Africa embraced the 3-4-1 scrum and by 1928 it was the preferred formation for the Springboks in their home series with the All Blacks. In the first Test their scrum was a revelation to the New Zealanders, who were demolished 17-0.

It wasn't until a few years later, however, that modern back-row play evolved. Markötter considered how to make the best use of a gifted Stellenbosch threequarter named André McDonald, who was not fast enough for a back and not big enough for a forward. McDonald was moved to the solo position at the back of the scrum where he inter-played with his scrum-half in attack and was deployed as a shadow flanker in defence. So the prototype for the No.8 evolved in South Africa as a much looser player than his forerunner, the lock. South Africa still sought strong forwards who could push from the back of the scrum, but attacking and defensive duties for which the prime attribute was mobility became part of the job description. The Springboks toured Britain/Ireland in 1931-32, demonstrating the new scrum formation and back-row tactics to the Home Unions, and in 1933 Australia saw them for the first time when they were beaten in a series in South Africa.

By the time war broke out in 1939, most of the world's rugby-playing nations had bowed to Springbok supremacy, adopting the 3-4-1 pack and refining back-row tactics. The main dissenters were the Scots, who persisted with the old 3-2-3 system until the mid 1950s. b) When was the term No.8 first used? It was not until the 1940s that the expression No.8 became recognised worldwide as part of rugby's lexicon. Finding a common name for the sole player at the back of the 3-4-1 scrum seems to have taken some time. In the Home Unions he was still referred to as the lock or lock-forward, as he had been in the 3-2-3 system. Australian reports of the 1937 Tests against the Springboks refer to the position as anchor-man or solo-lock. South Africans called him the eighthman (as many of the old-timers out there still do), in New Zealand he was usually the back-row or back-row forward and to the French he was le troisième ligne centre.

Numbering of players in Tests was a haphazard affair until the 1960s. In the Five Nations, some teams numbered from 1 to 15 from the back, starting with the fullback and finishing with a flanker (so that the back-row man was number 14). France and Ireland often numbered in reverse starting from the front-row, making the middle-man of the loose trio number 7. Wales even used letters throughout the 30s and 40s making him letter N! Players on tour were numbered 1 to 30 and kept their allocated numbers for Tests. Old Test programmes show that the earliest efforts to number the back-row man with jersey eight were in New Zealand's South Island during the 1930s. For NZ v Australia at Dunedin in 1936 and NZ v SA at Christchurch in 1937 the All Blacks' back-row man wore this number. Abbreviating the South African term eighthman to No.8 originated there and the noted New Zealand rugby historian, Arthur Swan, was among the first to refer to him in print as the "number-eight".

When post-war Tests resumed in 1946, New Zealand led the way in regularly numbering their back-row man in the eight jersey. Curiously, South Africa's Hennie Muller, who played Test rugby between 1949 and 1953 and was universally hailed as the definitive eighthman of his day, never wore an eight shirt in a Test, although by 1951 the British press were referring to him as the team's No 8. It was not until the 1960s that the shirt number universally matched its position's name in Test matches. Rugby Positions Explained: Forwards | iSport.com Rugby Positions Explained: Forwards Rugby Positions Explained: Forwards There are essentially two groups of players on each side of a rugby match: The Forwards and the Backs . Many comparisons have been made about the different characteristics of these two groups, ranging in nature from mostly objective observations (forwards are big; backs are fast) to more subjective associations (forwards are meatheads with very limited ball-handling skills; backs are dainty creatures who don’t like to get their uniforms dirty).

Although the subjective comparisons are usually humorous and an excellent source of debate, this explanation of the different rugby positions – including various names and responsibilities inherent in each – will strive for an objective tone, in the hopes that doing so will make it easier to understand the identity of each position. This guide will feature information about the various Forwards positions in rugby. For information on the Backs positions, please go to the Rugby Positions Explained: Backs guide. Life in the Pack The forwards of a team wear jerseys numbered 1 through 8 in Union, and 8 through 13 in League. Forwards are the bigger of the two groups of players; the collective group of forwards is also referred to as the ‘pack,’ which is primarily involved in the scrums, rucks, mauls and line-outs of a match. Though the majority of the ball-carrying is done by the backs, sometimes forwards are used to punch the ball straight ahead short distances. In these instances, the forward is expected to charge straight ahead, either running over people or carrying them as long as possible. It’s not unusual to see forwards carry the ball close to the try line, as they can usually keep running after the first hit or two by opposing players.

Whoso would be a man, must be a non-conformist, and preferably play in the pack. Ralph Waldo Emerson 19th Century American Author & Philosopher Here is a list of the assorted forward positions, including the responsibilities for each and different jersey numbers/names with which they’re associated, depending on the code of rugby: Props Prop s wear numbers 1 &3 in Union rugby, and 8 & 10 in League rugby. There are two props in a pack, called loosehead (left prop) and tighthead (right prop). The two names refer to the side of the scrum on which they reside, and more specifically how they align with the opposing team’s pack during a scrum. The left prop is called 'loosehead' because that player only meets up with the other team’s prop during a scrum, meaning that player's head is unbound on both sides, and loose. The right prop is called 'tighthead' because that player’s head is between the prop and hooker of the other team, making for a tighter fit. Both sides demand enormous strength and attention to technique.

However, the tighthead position is seen as the more difficult and important of the two because of the fact that the tighthead prop has to deal with the opposition pushing from two sides, compared to the loosehead prop having only one player to push against. Regardless of which side a prop occupies, they’re almost always the heaviest and strongest of the forwards. Along with the hooker – who is less concerned with pushing, and more concerned with raking the ball back after a put in – the props are the front of the pack, and must provide the strongest force of resistance to the other team’s pack during a scrum. They are also critical in both winning and supporting rucks and mauls, and play important parts during a line-out by either lifting a jumper or binding on to the ball carrier. Hooker The Hooker wears number 2 in Union, and number 9 in League. Regardless of the association to a certain ‘profession’, the position of Hooker gets its name from the primary responsibility of that player during a scrum, namely ‘hooking’ the ball back with a foot after it’s been rolled in.

Still of a decent size (but not nearly as big as the props), the hooker resides between both props, and is supported by the props by tightly binding on with them to the point that the hooker is able to free up one foot for raking the ball. Because the props on either side of the hooker will need both feet on the ground to push as much as possible, by raking the ball backwards the hooker is the first player with a chance to secure possession of the ball during a scrum. The hooker is also the player responsible for throwing the ball in during a line-out. Along with helping on rucks and mauls, the hooker usually dictates the movement of the forwards during a match, setting up a short run by another forward or instructing other forwards on where to position themselves when on defense. In rugby League, the hooker is also commonly responsible for acting as the ‘Dummy-half’, which refers to the person that passes the ball out after the ball carrier has been tackled. Locks There are two Lock s in a pack, with no difference inherent to their position in, or responsibilities during, the scrum.

Locks wear numbers 4 & 5 in Union, and 11 & 12 in League. They support the props and hooker during a scrum, both by binding on underneath and keeping the front row (props and hooker) tight, and by providing additional pushing strength. They are often the tallest players on the team, and will do the majority of the jumping during a line-out. Locks are also considered to be better ball carriers than most of the other forwards. Like all other forwards, they are involved in most of the rucks and mauls that take place during a game. As both locks make up the second row of a pack, the position itself is also commonly referred to as ‘second row’, and in rugby League these players are known as ‘Second-row Forwards’. Flankers There are two Flanker s in the pack that wear numbers 6 & 7, but the flanker position only exists in Union rugby. Much like locks, there are two flankers in a pack. Unlike locks, however, there are two different names for the flankers, 'Blindside' and 'Openside,' depending on which side of the scrum they’re located.

The blindside flanker will support whichever lock is positioned closest to the nearest touch-line (also known as the blind side of the pitch) by binding on at the side. The openside flanker does the same thing from the lock closest to the open side of the pitch (the side furthest from the touch line). Both flankers should be taller/bigger players, capable of moving with some speed yet maintaining a high level of physicality. No forward is allowed to disengage from the scrum until the ball is called out (except the eight man in some instances). So because the flankers are located on either side of the pack, they’re usually the first forwards to engage in play (along with the eight man). Depending on which side won the scrum, the flanker will usually either make a play on the opposing team’s scrum half – the first player on the other team to play the ball from a scrum – or act as a passing option from the scrum half on their team if they won the scrum. For the same reasons, flankers are expected to be the first players to go after the ball when it’s loose or turned over.

Either way, flankers are sometimes a temporary connection between forwards and backs, as they often are involved with both groups during a match. The exception to this characteristic concerns League teams, as the flanker positions don’t exist in the League code of rugby. Eight Man The Eight Man is the forward located at the very rear of the pack, and occupies the spot where the scrum half picks up the ball from a scrum. In Union rugby, the eight man is also referred to as the No. 8, as that's the number worn by the eight man; in League it's number 13. The normal eight man is similar to a lock in terms of physical size, though the eight man wants to be slightly faster than the locks, instead of slightly stronger. The eight man supports the locks by binding on with them from behind, providing extra stability and a platform from which the locks can drive forward. The eight man also drives, but is less concerned with pushing and more concerned with securing the ball to make it easy for the scrum half to pick it up. Along with the locks and hooker, the eight man is a regular fixture in rucks and mauls, and is sometimes an additional jumper in line-outs.

In rugby League, the equivalent of the eight man is called the loose forward, and is both located and responsible for the same things as an eight man. The Pack: Eight handsome burly guys whom you'd want to marry your daughter. They are intelligent, elegant, sensitive and sweet. Truly the ideal men. Anonymous The most unique quality of the position is that the eight man is allowed to disengage from the scrum and pick up the ball, much like the scrum half does, though the scrum half is never considered part of the scrum. This player effectively transfers from being a part of the scrum to the player that restarts play outside of it. Because of this allowance, the eight man is sometimes included in the back-line schemes to run with the ball. Forwards Sub-categories The pack (forwards), aside from being broken up into individual positions, is also sub-categorized according to the players’ locations in the scrum, and their overall responsibilities: Front Row (Union and League): The Front Row consists of both props and the hooker, who all make up the first line of players on each team in a scrum.

Tight Five (Union only): The Tight Five are composed of the front row (props and hooker) and both locks, or the second row. They’re referred to as the tight five because all five of these players bind together tightly before a scrum, compared to the flankers and eight man who are also attached, but not as tightly. Loose Forwards (Union only): Though ‘loose forward’ is an actual position in the League code of rugby, in Union the term Loose Forwards refers to the flankers and eight man, as they are not as tightly fixed to the rest of the pack (tight five) during a scrum. Back Row (League only): In League, the Back Row consists of both second row forwards and the loose forward; it’s common for players in these positions to be referred to as ‘back rowers.’ Staying Strong It is the responsibility of the forwards to handle the vast majority of physical play during the course of the match. Forwards must attack any stoppage of play, either to retain possession of the ball for their team, or to try and take it away from the other team.

While the backs score most of the points in a match, it is often due to the work of the forwards that the opportunity to score points even exists. Share this Guide: American Football vs Rugby - Difference and Comparison | Diffen American Football vs. Rugby Diffen › Sports American football is a game played between two teams and consists of 11 players in each of the two teams, with unlimited substitutions. American football is a game of intense physical play with complex strategy to score points by advancing the ball to the opponent team’s end-zone. Rugby is best described as a blend of the contact of American football, the running of soccer , and the transition of basketball. It is a game played between two teams with 15 players in each, played on a rectangular field, with the object being to run with an oval ball across the opponent’s goal line or kick it through the upper portion of the goal posts . Both the games differ in a variety of parameters. Comparison chart American Football versus Rugby comparison chart American Football 11 players per team on the field at any point of time Team consists of 15 players for Union Time limit Four 15-minute quarters, with a half-time intermission after the second quarter.

The game clock stops frequently between plays. Two 40 minute halves with a ten minute half time. Clock only stops for prolonged injuries. Object of the Game Object of the game is to score points by carrying the ball beyond the opponents touch line. (Each such instance is called a touch down). Also scoring by kicking it between the goal post called a Field Goal. Object of the game is to carry the ball and place the ball down on the opponents touch line (called a Try) or kick it between the goal posts. Major League National Football League (NFL) Major comps include"(domestic) super 15, Aviva prem, RFU, top 14, Nat league 1 & 2, rugby pro d2, ITM cup, currie cup, rebo pro d12, super 10, shut shield, NSW suburb rugby(+more) (internation) RWC, four nat, six nat, pacific nat, asian 5 nat(+more) Ball A prolate spheroid which is about 11 inches (28 cm) long and about 22 inches (56 cm) in circumference at the center and weighs around 0.875lbs.

A prolate spheroid shaped football. The accepted international size is called the "size 5" and is approximately 27 cm long and 60 cm in circumference at its widest point and weighs around 1lb. Countries Worldwide What is it? American football is a game with intense physical aggression with players that have speed, power, and explosiveness that requires helmets and padding to be worn. Rugby is a game with intense physical aggression and necessary endurance that only requires a mouth guard for play. Certain possesions require speed and agility, others require strength. Current World Champions New Zealand All Blacks (Rugby Union World Cup) Substitution Unlimited Up to 7 substitutions allowed (depending on the tournament rules) Once pulled out cannot be substituted back in unless there is an injury and no other substitutes. Player Size NFL player brandon banks 70 kg. (155 lbs.) was at one point 67 kg. (149 lbs.) is the lightest NFL player since 2010 while the largest NFL player was 162.3kg (358 lbs.) The largest running back is 122kg (268 lbs.) Brandon jacobs.

The lightest rugby player to ever play international rugby was Gordon McGhie at just 58kg. largest rugby international bill cavubati (165.3kg) his heaviest at 201.7kg (442.5lbs). Number of Umpires / Referees 3 to 6 referees plus booth review 4 referees including TMO (television match official) who declares tries valid or invalid via cameras for tries which aren't visible for the ref or caused after an illegal infringement and 2 assistant referees. Protective gear Helmet, Shoulder/Chest pad/protector, upper leg padding and mouthguard are rightfully required. Players are only allowed modest padding on Head, Shoulders, Collarbone etc. Only a mouthguard is required.

Major Tournaments Rugby World Cup Field Length: 120 yards (109.728 meters) in total (100 yards (91.44 meters) of playing field, with two 10-yard (9.144 meters) end zones) Width: 160 feet (48.768 meters) 100 (120m if end zone "goal area" is included) meters long by 70 meters wide with 20-meter in try area. Average contact per game Average tackles per game per player: 4 with highest recorded at 4600lbs (by sports science), consistent contact away from the ball with downfield blocking with contact as severe as a tackle. Average tackles per game per player: 16 - Average hit impact: 1600lbs. of force (recorded from members of the LA rugby team by sports science) Contents: American Football vs Rugby 11 References Differences in rules of Rugby and American Football American football : Each team has 11 players on the field at one time, with unlimited substitutions. Each team gets three time-outs per half. Play begins with a kickoff.

Two teams line up opposite each other; they are usually lining up a “play from scrimmage.” Receiving player may run with ball or may pass it. Each team has to move the ball at least 10 yards within 4 downs. If they fail to do so, other team gets the chance. If they succeed they get 4 new tries to move the ball 10 yards further. The main object is to score points by advancing the pointed oval-shaped ball into the opponent’s team end-zone . Rugby: A Rugby team consists of 15 players, divided into forwards and backs. Forwards are often larger and stronger players of the team having their main job to win the possession of the ball. The backs are usually smaller, faster, and more agile and exploit the ball possessions. The match begins with a kickoff and the teams compete for possession. The player of the receiving team may run with the ball, or kick it, or pass it to any other player laterally or behind him. Opponent player may tackle the ball carrier at any time. Other than tackles, scrummages, rucks, mauls, and lineouts, no other contact is allowed. Even dangerous tackles are not permitted and are penalized severely.

Once tackled, the player must release the ball immediately so play may continue. Once a team has crossed the opposing team’s goal line and touched the ball to the ground, a try is scored (five points). After each try, the scoring team has the opportunity to score two more points with a conversion. Origin of rugby and football American football is said to have developed from rugby. British colonists from Canada are said to have brought rugby to the Americans. At that time the two were not as differentiated as now. The origin of rugby in England goes back long into the 19th century and even earlier. In 1800's formalities were introduced to football rules in the seven major public schools of England.Handling the ball was permitted in football in the early 1800's when players were allowed to take a mark and then a free kick. The Rugby Football Union had been formed in 1871 by representatives of 21 clubs - all of which were located in southern England and most were within London. By the early 1890's rugby was widespread and well over half the RFU's clubs were in northern England.

The working classes of the north of England and South Wales were particularly taken with rugby over football (soccer). Playing Field American football is played on a rectangular field 120 yards (110 meters) long by 53 1/3 yards (49 meters) wide. Near each end of the field is a goal line; they are 100 yards apart. A rugby league field is very similar, it is 120 metres long and about half that in width, there is a line across the field every ten metres. Contact Sport The most significant differences between American and Rugby football are that in Rugby all players are allowed to handle the ball and any sort of blocking, forward passing, and time-outs are not allowed. Unlike American football, in case of Rugby any kind of screening and obstruction to players who do not have the ball is not allowed. This is the main reason why Rugby is much safer than American football. Unlike American football, only lateral passes are legal, and running and kicking can advance the ball. In American Football, one forward pass per down is permitted, so long as it originates behind the line of scrimmage.

Protective Equipment in rugby and football In Rugby, there is lack of hard protective equipments such as helmet and padding. That’s why in case of Rugby players are also taught to tackle with personal safety in mind. In football, hard tackles are allowed which is why there is padding. Schedule and Cost Rugby provides for a more flexible schedule and less costly athletic team than professional football, hockey , or other options. Control In case of Rugby, players are concerned more about retaining ball possession rather than gaining yardage as in case of American football. Scoring A touchdown is the American football equivalent of rugby league's try . Ironically, a try requires the ball to be 'touched down' to the ground, whereas a touchdown doesn't. In American football it is sufficient for the player carrying the ball to cause the ball to enter the end zone (in-goal area) while still in bounds, by carrying it in or holding the ball in or through the imaginary plane of the goal line. In rugby league the ball must be pressed to the ground in the in-goal area. An American football touchdown scores 6 points and a rugby league try is now worth 4 points. In rugby union a try is worth 5 points, the conversion is worth 2.

Football vs Rugby Strategy American football is a game of set moves and counter moves (similar to chess ). On the other hand, Rugby is a more free-flowing spontaneous game. Geographical differences As the name suggests, American football is played in North America while rugby is played across the globe with prominence in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and parts of Europe. References Rugby Positions | LineoutCoach.com Key Partners Rugby Positions Rugby positions each have a specific role to play. Different physical attributes are required, although strength and speed are key across the team. Most players will specialise in one or two positions which uses their skills and size to best advantage. The 15 players for each team are on the pitch at all times and play both attacking and defending roles unlike American Football which has offence, defence and special teams that alternate depending on possession. The team is divided into two packs, the Forwards (8 players) and Backs (7 players) and they can stand in any position on the field of play as long as they remain onside. The exception is set piece plays when rugby rules stipulate where each player should be in relation to the ball and opposition. The players wear rugby jerseys with the numbers 1-15 on the back.

The number stays with the rugby positions and not the player as it can do in other sports so the hooker is always number 2 for example. The numbers were introduced in 1920s as a way for coaches to rate the players. Teams can call on substitute players with team numbers (16-23) to cover rugby positions where players are injured, tired or as impact players to turn a match around or close down an opposing team in a close game. Rugby Positions Explained A basic understanding of the rugby positions and the skills of each player will help you enjoy the sport more and appreciate the tactics of the game. Rugby positions names Some of the names for the 15 rugby positions have changed over the years and some have different names in other countries. The IRB use terms favoured by northern hemisphere countries. Variations to these include: Flanker – wing forwards Outside centre – centre three-quarter, centre Wing – wing three-quarter Fly-half – outside half, stand-off half, out half, first five-eighth Scrum-half – half-back Number 8 – 8 man Rugby Positions: Forwards Rugby positions numbers 1-8 on the field are called the Forward pack.

They are involved in all the set piece plays and contest the lineouts and scrums. Larger and more powerful than the Backs, they aim to win or retain the ball and drive the team up the field and in that respect are similar to linebackers or linesman in American Football. Rugby Positions: Front Row Supports hooker in the scrum Lifts jumpers in the lineout Key power at rucks and mauls for retaining ball 2 Hooker Middle of the front row of the scrum Responsible for winning the ball Throws ball at lineouts Rugby positions: Second row (loose forwards/loosies) 4 Lock or lock forward 5 Lock or lock forward Tallest on the field Bind in the scrum and drive forward Rugby positions: Back Row At the back of the scrum Aim to win ball through turnovers 8 Number Eight Link between the forward pack and backs Controls ball at back of scrum before attack begins Rugby Positions: Backs Rugby positions numbers 9-15 are called the Backs. They tend to be smaller than their Foward brothers as they need speed and agility to run the ball into space or kick for goal.

They have to maximise the possession and get points on the board so would be similar to running backs or wide receivers in American Football. Rugby positions: Half-backs Links between forwards and backs Feeds ball into scrum Collects ball from the back 10 Fly-half Directs play on the pitch Good decision maker and communicator Commonly the goal kicker Good reader of the game Direct attacks Score tries and finish plays Fast and agile Powerful enough to break tackles 15 Full Back Rugby Sevens and 10-a-side - ActiveSG Rugby Sevens and 10-a-side Rugby: Types of passing and catching Image credit: Andrew Tan/SportSG Not every game of rugby requires 15 players. Variations of the game, such as the rugby tens and rugby sevens have sprung up so check out the key differences between the three. Rugby Sevens Also known as 7-a-side rugby, or Sevens, this version of rugby requires only, as its name suggests, seven players on each team. Games are also much shorter compared to the traditional 15-player rugby with each half lasting just seven minutes (compared to 40 minute-halves), with a one minute break in between.

Rugby sevens is played by a team of three forwards and four backs - with two props and a hooker playing forwards, and a scrum-half, fly-half, center and winger for the backs. Due to playing numbers being halved, sevens players need to be extremely fit and fast to be able to cover the same pitch size. This adds to the excitement and its growing popularity as games are fast paced and high scoring while tournaments can be concluded in just two or three days In terms of rules, the scrum consist of three forwards on each team, instead of the eight forwards in 15-player rugby, while line outs are usually limited to two players. Other differences from the 15-a-side game are that conversions must be drop kicked, instead of a place kick, and these kicks must take place 40-seconds after a try instead of the full minute in traditional rugby. Another difference is that the team that scores a try restarts the game and if the restart does not go beyond the required 10 metres then a free-kick is awarded to the non-offending team at the centre of the half way line.

In terms of yellow card suspensions, while the sin bin lasts for 10minutes in 15s rugby, in rugby sevens a suspension lasts two minutes. Rugby Tens In Rugby Tens or 10-a-side rugby, there are only five forwards and five backs in the side with each half lasting only 10-minutes each. Two props, a hooker and two locks make up the forwards, while the backs consist of a scrum-half, fly-half, centre, winger, and fullback. Scrums in rugby tens is formed by five players on each team, with two rows instead of eight players in three rows in traditional rugby. As with seven-a-side rugby, the team that manages to score a try restarts the game, and only drop kicks can be used to score a goal. Conversions –as in rugby sevens – must be scored with a drop kick and done within 40-seconds of a try or it will be discounted. Similarly, suspensions also last two minutes instead of the 10-minutes in 15sgame.

This variation has been played for decades in Singapore and remains popular locally, however, unlike rugby sevens, which has soared in popularity across the world – now even featuring in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games - rugby tens is still largely played only in Southeast Asia having been invented in and spread from Malaysia. To receive the latest updates on the happenings in the Singapore sports scene, or to find out more about some of the latest programmes on offer at ActiveSG, like our Facebook page here .

Question: How many players from each team usually make up a rugby union scrum?
Answer: 8