The Positions

A rugby team is made up of 8 forwards and 7 backs. The forwards are made up of a sturdy front row - two props and a hooker; a towering second row - two locks; and a tough but mobile back row - two flankers and a number eight. In the backs, tenacious scrum half follows the ball and moves it between the forwards and backs. The fly half is the team's play maker and pivotal figure. He calls and initiates moves, and usually does most of the kicking. the two centres are the defensive heart of the backs and, in attack, look for holes in the opposition's defences. The wingers and full back are the team's real speed merchants - often running in tries at the end of back's moves - but also the last line of defence.

1. Loosehead prop
2. Hooker
3. Tighthead prop
4. Left lock
5. Right lock
6. Left flanker
7. Right flanker
8. Number eigth
9. Scrum half
10. Fly-half
11. Left wing
12. left centre
13. Right centre
14. Right wing
15. Full back