RUGBY POSITION

ROLES IN A SCRUM

by Adam Greene, Melville, NY

Introduction

Though among the most fast-paced and

aggressive sports played today, rugby is

largely unknown in the United States. Some

colleges have rugby teams, but the sport is

usually offered as a club or intramural sport.

Rugby often draws similarities to football, and

in some sense the player positions are quite

similar.

About Rugby

Of the 15 players per rugby team, there are two major player groups: eight forwards and seven backs. At the center front is the "hooker," who is supported on either side by two prop players. The two players in the second row of the forwards are called locks; these tall players push against the front row during the scrum and are often in charge of catching the ball. The third row is composed of two flankers on either side of the player known as "number eight," one of the most important players on the field; he helps in the scrum and can also carry the ball.

More About Rugby Positions

As for the other positions, locks and flankers

support the props by trying to obtain

possession of the ball. The hooker tries to

push the ball towards his team. Once the team

has possession, the scrum half calls plays and

passes the ball. Centers, wings, and fly halves

all carry the ball but have slightly different

responsibilities. The fly half can be likened to a

mix between the quarterback and running

back, wings are like tight ends, and centers

like running backs.

Conclusion

About the author: Adam Greene was captain of

his rugby team at Hofstra University. When not

playing sports, Mr. Greene coaches youth

sports in his community. He is a partner at

Greene & Company, LLP. He lives in Melville,

NY, with his family.