Learn Rugby
Rugby Positions Explained
Learn where every player fits on the field and discover which position might be right for you.
15-a-side formation
Tap any jersey to explore that position.
This is a standard 15s starting formation. Click a jersey to see responsibilities, body type, key skills, professional examples, and a coach's tip.
Forwards · Back row
Number Eight
Primary responsibilities
- Control the ball at the base of the scrum
- Link forwards to backs
- Break the gain-line with ball in hand
- Cover in defense as a de facto flanker
Typical body type
Tall and powerful. 6'2"–6'6", 240–265 lbs. Athletic.
Key skills
- Ball-carrying
- Offloading
- Vision
- Leadership
Attributes
Professional examples
Ardie Savea (NZL) · Caelan Doris (IRE) · Duane Vermeulen (RSA)
Jump to a position
The two units
Forwards win the ball. Backs use it.
Forwards (1–8)
The pack. Eight players who contest every scrum, lineout, and breakdown. Bigger, stronger, and in contact for most of the 80 minutes.
Backs (9–15)
The playmakers and finishers. Seven players who move the ball into space, kick for territory, and score the tries.
Attribute chart
How the 15 positions compare.
Attributes are ranked 1–5. There are exceptions at every level of the game — treat this as a guide, not a rule.
| # | Position | Height | Weight | Speed | Strength | Fitness | Ball hand. | Kicking | Leadership |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LH Prop | ||||||||
| 2 | Hooker | ||||||||
| 3 | TH Prop | ||||||||
| 4 | Lock | ||||||||
| 5 | Lock | ||||||||
| 6 | BS Flanker | ||||||||
| 7 | OS Flanker | ||||||||
| 8 | No. 8 | ||||||||
| 9 | SH | ||||||||
| 10 | FH | ||||||||
| 11 | LW | ||||||||
| 12 | IC | ||||||||
| 13 | OC | ||||||||
| 14 | RW | ||||||||
| 15 | FB |
Interactive
Which position fits you?
Which position fits you?
Take the 60-second quiz.
Answer six honest questions. We'll suggest three positions to try in your first Berserkers practice.
A faster game
Sevens Rugby — the game stripped down.
Rugby sevens is the Olympic version of the sport. Seven players a side, seven-minute halves, and non-stop space. Same laws, but the emphasis shifts entirely to speed and endurance.
What changes in sevens
- Only 7 players a side — 3 forwards, 4 backs.
- Two 7-minute halves (10 in finals) with a very short break.
- Same-size field, so every player covers massive ground.
- Conversions must be drop-kicked, not placed.
- Kickoff after every score goes to the team that just scored.
- Fitness and one-on-one skill decide most matches.
Rugby sevens debuted at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has become one of the most-watched formats of the sport worldwide.
15s · 10s · 7s
Three formats, one sport.
15s Rugby
10s Rugby
7s Rugby
| Format | Players | Match length | Emphasis | Culture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15s (Union) | 15 per side | Two 40-min halves | Set piece, phase play, all-round game | Traditional club and international game |
| 10s | 10 per side | Two 10–15 min halves | Ball movement with reduced pack | Tournament format — including Valhalla 10s |
| 7s (Sevens) | 7 per side | Two 7-min halves | Speed, fitness, one-on-one skill | Olympic sport and global circuit |
The Berserkers play 15s in-season and host Valhalla 10s — our signature 10-a-side tournament — every summer.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions.
How many players are on a rugby team?
15 on the field per side in traditional rugby union. Valhalla 10s and other tens tournaments use 10 per side, and rugby sevens uses 7 per side.
What are the forwards' numbers?
Forwards wear jerseys 1–8: two props (1, 3), a hooker (2), two locks (4, 5), two flankers (6, 7), and a number 8.
What are the backs' numbers?
Backs wear jerseys 9–15: scrum half (9), fly half (10), two wings (11, 14), two centres (12, 13), and a fullback (15).
Which position is best for beginners?
Second row (lock) and flanker are the most common starting points — the jobs are clear (win the ball, hit the ruck) and ball skills develop with time. Smaller athletes often start at scrum half or wing.
Do I have to pick a position on day one?
No. Most new Berserkers try several positions in their first month before a coach helps them settle in.
Is rugby positional the same as American football positional?
Every rugby player attacks, defends, tackles, and rucks. Positions describe your set-piece role and defensive alignment, not specialized offense/defense platoons.
Keep learning
More rugby guides.
Ready to try?
Think you've found your position?
Join the Escanaba Berserkers Rugby Football Club and discover it on the field.