Rugby Rules and Positions

On this page we would like to provide you with a small overview of some of the definitions and rules in Rugby. That way you can follow the game easier when you watch it and some things might make some (more) sense then. Just click on each "title" to see a full explanation with occasionally a small illustration. The position description is a bit large and you can see what each position is called and what the player does by just hovering over the number.

 Simple Rugby Rules

These are a few rugby rules so you understand a few things when you watch a game on the field or on TV.

  • A team comprises eight forwards and seven backs. The forwards (known collectively as the pack) have the prime role of winning the ball, and the backs have the responsibility of doing something positive with it, in particular, scoring tries required for victory. Mainly it’s forwards who decide upon which team wins a match, backs define by how much.
  • The tight five are the five forwards, the front row and the two locks (second row) who form the core of the scrum. The tight five’s main function is to keep the scrum solid and functional, in the hope that when the ball is placed in the scrum it ends up on their side. Backrow consists of flankers and number eight, who are the loose forwards often supporting backline attacks and defence.
  • All players have to be BEHIND the ball when trying to receive it. This means that you can only PASS the ball backwards
  • If you drop the ball and it bounces in front of you, in the attacking direction, it is called a "Knock on" which usually results in a scrum (see below) and gives the oponents team the ball.
  • A "try" is scored by carying the ball over the oponents tryline AND putting it on the ground. This has to be done firmly with hands, arm or chest/stomach. A try gives your team 5 points. Once a try is scored you will get the chance of a conversion goal which will give you 2 more points if successfull. NOTE: The conversion is kicked from the line where the try was scored - backwards.This means if you score the try in the corner, your conversion will be coming from the side of the field which is very difficult due to the angle!
  • Tackling is done with arms and shoulders and has to be below chest. You can tackle from any side if the player has the ball AND is on the ground. You cannot tackle him when he is jumping!

 A few Rugby formations

Since describing things in text is rather difficult in rugby and it becomes usually a long story, we have collected here a few videos (link to the BBC) where different things are described very well and visually.

 Rugby positions explained

In this section you can, by just hovering your mouse over the number, read about what a player in a certain position is supposed to do. Accordingly you can get a good overview of how players are behaving on the field and why they are standing where they are.

Substitutes, not always followed like this in Warriors’ games, but this is how they are on matches in TV.

16. Substitute for hooker.
Hooker is a specialized position, and number 16 is often seen on the field in the second half. May also fill in for a prop.
17. Prop.
Substitutes for front-rowers are really important, and often needed. The laws state that a team must have certain amount of players eligible to play in front row.
18. Second row.
Tall man coming from the bench.
19. Back row.
An athletic forward who can fill in for a flanker or number 8.
20. Scrum half/fly half.
A good passer, kicker and visionary. France’s Frédéric Michalak has often played this position for his national team.
21. Fly half/centre.
A solid athlete who has good ball handling skills.
22. Wing/fullback.
A fast runner who likes to play in open spaces.

Check out also these two websites for more information!
http://wesclark.com/rrr/pos.html
http://wesclark.com/rrr/_2.html