How many forwards in rugby

Props are always 1 and 3 on the field, and are often two of the heaviest players on the pitch. They line up in the front row of the scrum, on either side of the hooker, and their primary job is to lead the forward pack at scrum time.

What they do in the scrum is extremely taxing on the body, and it takes both an extremely strong and extremely tough player to do it.

In addition, they often do a lot of lifting during lineouts, as well as plenty of rucking, tackling, and ball carrying in open play. The hooker wears jersey 2, and is wedged in between the two props during scrums. The hooker is the player responsible for back-heeling, or "hooking", the ball back to his or her team at scrum time. They are generally of a stocky, powerful build and look like they could play in the centers if they needed to. Most importantly, however, the hooker is usually the one responsible for throwing the ball in during lineouts.

This is a key role in the game, and completing your throws can make or break your team over the course of the game. Wearing 's 4 and 5, the locks are almost always the tallest players on the field. In the scrum, they line up in the second row and wedge their heads in between the hips of the hooker and the props. They assist the props in driving during the scrum, and must keep a long, low body position for the best leverage. Their most important asset, usually, is being both a huge target in the lineout in attack, and a disrupter in defense.

They typically carry the ball a lot and make tons of tackles around the field. They range in size, but are generally taller and leaner than the props, but shorter and more muscular than the locks. Flankers play an important role in a scrum especially when possession is lost to the opponent.

They are responsible to stop any ball carrier from gaining ground when the ball is out of the scrum. One of the players who sees the most tackling, the number eight is also the only player without a position name. The no. Generally, the forwards are the heavier pack on the team hence they are usually bigger, heavier and stronger. However certain characteristics would be ideal for certain positions to have such as the front rows should be square and have a stronger neck to prevent injuries in a scrum.

Locks should be tall to win possessions during the line-out as well as a strong lower back and thighs to drive the scrum. The study reported the hookers suffering from injuries such as bleeding, neck and knee injuries. Hence, it is crucial to have a stiff neck and shoulders as a forward to prevent yourself from being hurt. 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.

Rugby Positions: Explaining the roles of Forwards on the pitch. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email. Like the props on either side of him, the hooker needs to be strongly built, but he also has to be agile enough to simultaneously control the scrum and secure the ball with his feet.

The hooker also often has the job of throwing the ball in at a lineout. A second-row forward, the left lock wears the number 4 on the back of his jersey. In the scrum, the left look pushes from behind the props and hooker. The left lock position is suited to players who are tall and well-built, with good jumping ability. The left lock uses his height to jump up and grab the ball in the lineout, and to catch the ball after a kickoff.

A second-row forward, the right lock wears the number 5 on the back of his jersey. In the scrum, the right lock pushes from behind the props and hooker.

While the left lock is expected to have good jumping ability, the right lock needs to possess explosive power. A third-row forward, the right flanker wears the number 6 on the back of his jersey; in a scrum, the left flanker pushes from behind on the left-hand side.

Besides their role in the scrum, the left flanker also has to run about a great deal when supporting attacks made by the backs, so this is a position that requires a high level of physical fitness.

A third-row forward, the right flanker wears the number 7 on the back of his jersey; in a scrum, the right flanker pushes from behind on the right-hand side. Besides their role in the scrum, the right flanker also has to run about a great deal when supporting attacks made by the backs, so this is a position that requires a high level of physical fitness. A third-row forward, the number eight wears the number 8 on the back of his jersey.

The number eight controls and directs the forwards from behind. In a scrum, the number eight may extract the ball from the back of the scrum using their hands. This is a position that requires physical size, speed and power, as well as good judgment and a high level of overall expertise.