Rugby union positions

A rugby union team is made up of 15 players: eight forwards, numbered from 1 to 8; and seven backs, numbered from 9 to 15. Depending upon the competition, there may be up to seven replacements. Each player has a fixed role and each teams will therefore play in the same formation, with only slight variations in use. Rugby union is different from other sports such as soccer with its endless number of 'formations' (4-3-3, 3-5-2 etc.) or cricket, where a player may be moved to a completely different position on the field (e.g. from silly mid-on to deep cover point).

Alternate names for positions

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PropProp forward

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LockSecond row or lock forward

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FlankerWing forward or breakaway or flank or flank forward

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Number 8Eightman or eighthman or lock forward

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Scrum halfInside half or scrummie

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Fly halfOutside half, out half, stand-off, first five-eighth, first five, or pivot

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Inside centreSecond five-eighth or second five or centre

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Outside centreCentre or Centre Threequarter

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WingWinger or Wingman or Wing Threequarter

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