Beginner's Guide - Positions
The make-up of 15s and sevens teams are different: in 15s rugby there are eight 'forwards' and seven 'backs' and in sevens there are three forwards and four backs.
The positions
The make-up of 15s and sevens teams are different: in 15s rugby there are eight 'forwards' and seven 'backs' and in sevens there are three forwards and four backs.
There are common names for positions but some regional variations may exist.
A game for all shapes and sizes
Rugby union has always been characterised by the notion that it is a game for all shapes and sizes.
Uniquely, each position requires a different set of physical and technical attributes and it is this diversity which makes the game so accessible to all.
Positions by number
| Number | Common name | Regional variations |
| 1 | Loose-head prop | |
| 2 | Hooker | |
| 3 | Tight-head prop | |
| 4 | Second-row | Lock |
| 5 | Second-row | Lock |
| 6 | Blindside flanker | |
| 7 | Open side flanker | |
| 8 | Number 8 | Lock, Eight Man |
| 9 | Scrum-half | Half back |
| 10 | Fly-half | First five-eighth |
| 11 | Left wing | |
| 12 | Inside centre | |
| 13 | Outside centre | |
| 14 | Right wing | |
| 15 | Full-back |
