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.

1. RUGBY POSITION
ROLES IN A SCRUM
by Adam Greene, Melville, NY

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.