RUGBY POSITIONS - FORWARDS
Unlike most sports, each jersey number corresponds with a specific position. 1-15 are the starting players, while 16-23 are the reserves. Once a reserve comes into the game or a starter leaves the game it is final, except for a few circumstances (like for an injury or replace a front row during a sin bin). 1-8 are the forwards (the big boys/girls) and 9-15 are the backs (the fast boys/girls). To make it easier understand for American fans, I’ve correlated rugby positions to football positions. First up are the forwards (also referred to as the pack). I’ll follow up with the backs in another post.
PROPS (Number 1, 3): In a lineout, props will lift the jumpers, and in a scrum, they are in the front row along with the hooker. Number 1 is the loosehead prop. This is because their head is on the outside of the scrum. Number 3 is the tighthead prop. Because their head is tight inside the scrum. Simple enough, right?
Football Comparison: Offensive/Defensive Line
You Should Know These Names: Tadgh Furling (Leinster/Ireland), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears/England), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh/Scotland)
Hannah Botterman, Loosehead Prop
HOOKER (Number 2): No jokes here. The hooker hooks the ball with their foot in the scrum, and is located between the two props. They will also throw the ball in during the lineout.
Football Comparison: Center
YSKTN: Pieto Mauvaca (Toulouse/France), Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Ireland), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks/South Africa)
Bongi Mbonambi
LOCKS (Number 4, 5): These fellas are the engine of the scrum. Traditionally EXTREMELY tall, they will usually jump in the lineout. (Also called second rows)
Football Comparison: Linebacker, Defensive End, Tight End
YSKTN: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks/South Africa), Maro Itoje (Saracens/England), Courtney Lawes (Brive/England)
Courtney Lawes
FLANKERS (Number 6, 7): These are usually the most fearless players on each team. As soon as the ball leaves a scrum, it is their job to fly at the ball carrier to make the first tackle, or create the first ruck. They are usually an alternate jumper in the lineout.
Football Comparison: Linebacker, Fullback
YSKTN: Siya Kolisi (Sharks/South Africa), Marlie Packer (Saracens/England), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs/South Africa), Michele Lamaro (Bennetton/Italy), Levani Botia (La Rochelle/Fiji)
Flanker and Dale Earnhardt Sr stand in, Kwagga Smith.
NUMBER 8: Apparently William Webb-Ellis mailed in the last forward position. They fulfill a similar role to flankers, although they are the only forward who is allowed to pick the ball up from the scrum. Along with flankers, they are collectively referred to as the back row.
Football Comparison: Linebacker, Fullback
YSKTN: Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifica/New Zealand), Ben Earl (Saracens, England)
Ardie Savea
