For THE Parents
What Does Each Position Do?
In rugby, the number on a player's back tells you their position and job. A full team is 15 players, split into two groups: the forwards (shirts 1–8 and the bigger, stronger engine who win the ball) and the backs (shirts 9–15 and generally the faster, more creative players who turn that ball into points).
Here's what each one actually does.
The forwards (1–8) - "the pack"
1. Loosehead Prop - Anchors the left side of the scrum and supports the hooker; first to rucks to clear out or protect the ball; carries hard over short distances. Suits: strong, sturdy, powerful, happy in the close-quarter graft.
2. Hooker - "Hooks" the ball back in the scrum and throws the ball in at the lineout; a busy engine-room technician. Suits: strong, accurate, reliable hands, high work-rate.
3. Tighthead Prop - The cornerstone on the right of the scrum, holding it steady against the most pressure; hits rucks and carries. Suits: very strong, robust, technically solid.
4. Lock (Second Row) - One of the two tall ones; a main jumper at the lineout, big push in the scrum, and a tackling/carrying workhorse. Suits: tall, athletic, strong, tireless.
5. Lock (Second Row) - The same job as 4, locking the scrum together and winning lineout ball; relentless around the park. Suits: tall, powerful, high stamina.
6. Blindside Flanker - Power on the edge of the scrum; a heavy tackler and ball-carrier who hits ruck after ruck. Suits: strong, fit, brave, relentless.
7. Openside Flanker - First to the breakdown, hunting turnovers and making tackle after tackle; a constant nuisance over the ball. Suits: fast, fearless, super-fit, sharp.
8. Number Eight - Controls the ball at the back of the scrum, carries powerfully and links the forwards to the backs. Suits: athletic, powerful, good hands and decisions.
The backs (9–15) — "the backline"
9. Scrum-half - The link between forwards and backs; clears the ball from rucks and scrums, directs play and never stops talking. Usually one of the busiest players on the pitch. Suits: quick, sharp pass, brave, great game sense (any size welcome).
10. Fly-half - The playmaker and main decision-maker; takes the ball from 9 and chooses whether to pass, run or kick, and often goal-kicks. Suits: calm, smart, good kicking and passing, a natural organiser.
11. Left Wing - A finisher out wide; the pace to score in the corner, plus fielding kicks and defending the edge. Suits: fast, elusive, good under the high ball.
12. Inside Centre - The midfield engine; a strong carrier and distributor and a big defender, often acting as a second playmaker. Suits: powerful, good hands, strong tackler.
13. Outside Centre - Creates and exploits space in midfield with pace and timing, and makes crucial tackles. Suits: quick, good footwork, reads the game well.
14. Right Wing - The other flying finisher; speed and a nose for the try-line, plus aerial skills and edge defence. Suits: fast, elusive, confident under the high ball.
15. Full-back - The last line of defence; fields the opposition's kicks, launches counter-attacks and organises the back field. Suits: safe hands, brave, a good kick, cool under pressure.
Nobody's stuck in one shirt
Here's something worth telling every young player: almost nobody plays one position for life. As children grow, their bodies change - the wiry nine-year-old fly-half can become a towering teenage lock, and the smallest in the squad today might be the quickest winger in three years. So don't pin a label on them early.
The best young players try lots of positions, learn the whole game, and let the right fit find them as they develop.
And the real beauty of rugby? There's a place on the pitch for every kind of player. Tall or small, powerful or pacey, bold or thoughtful, loud or quiet - every shape, size and personality has a shirt that needs them. Rugby isn't a game for one type of body or character; it's a team of fifteen different ones, and that's exactly what makes it special.
Keep Going
That completes the picture.
This is part of our free Understanding the Game series, alongside Rugby, Finally Explained and the What the Ref Just Said jargon decoder.
When you're ready to back your young player every week, FearLess Rugby sends a training pack built for their exact age group, every Friday at 4pm. Join our Founding 100 families at www.fearlessrugby.com.
Different union? This follows England RFU rugby. Under Wales, Scotland, Ireland or another union, or overseas? Positions are the same the world over — but for anything specific, drop us a line at thepack@fearlessrugby.com.
This is FearLess Rugby's simplified, plain-English explainer to help parents enjoy the game. It is not official and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the RFU. For the official rules see RFU Regulation 15 (Age Grade Rugby), and always confirm your child's match format with your club. Current for the 2025/26 season.