There are no personal squad numbers and a versatile player's position and number may change from one game to the next. Typically, the forwards among the substitutes will have lower numbers than the backs.
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The substitutes, numbered 16 to 23, can either take up the position of the player they replace or the on-field players can be shuffled to make room for this player in another position. In international matches, there are eight substitutes that can replace an on-field team-mate. The positions are divided into two main categories forwards (numbered 1 to 8) and backs (numbered 9 to 15). The players' positions at the start of the game are indicated by the numbers on the backs of their shirts, 1 to 15. There is a maximum of 15 players from each team allowed on a rugby field at any one time. The forwards are in the scrum while the backs are lined up across the field. The players outside the scrum are called "the backs": scrum-half, fly-half, inside centre, outside centre, two wings, and a fullback. The scrum (a contest used to restart play) must consist of eight players from each team: the "front row" (two props, a loosehead and tighthead, and a hooker), the "second row" (two locks), and a "back row" (two flankers, and a number 8).
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The scrum-half retrieves the ball from the forwards and needs a quick and accurate pass to get the ball to the backs (often firstly to the fly-half).Įarly names, such as "three-quarters" (for the wings and centres) and "outside-half" (for fly-half) are sometimes used in the Northern Hemisphere, while in New Zealand the fly-half and inside centre are called "first five-eighth" and "second five-eighth" respectively, while the scrum-half is known as the "half-back". The fly-half can be a good kicker and generally directs the back line. The centres' key attacking roles are to break through the defensive line and link successfully with wingers. The wingers are usually among the fastest players in a team and score many of the tries. Full-backs need to be good defenders and kickers, and have the ability to catch a kicked ball. Successful backs are skilful at passing and kicking. The backs play behind the forwards and are usually more lightly built and faster. The flankers and number eight are expected to be the first players to arrive at a breakdown and play an important role in securing possession of the ball for their team. The hooker is also the one who is responsible for throwing the ball in at line-outs, where it is mostly competed for by the locks, who are generally the tallest players on the team.
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Props push in the scrums, while the hooker tries to secure the ball for their team by "hooking" it back with their heel. Players that play multiple positions are called "utility players".įorwards compete for the ball in scrums and line-outs and are generally bigger and stronger than the backs. Players are not restricted to a single position, although they generally specialise in just one or two that suit their skills and body types. In addition, there may be up to eight replacement players "on the bench", numbered 16–23. In the game of rugby union, there are 15 players on each team, comprising eight forwards (wearing jerseys numbered 1–8) and seven backs (numbered 9–15). A normal rugby union team formation illustrating each of the positions and their respective numbers.