Backs
In the game of rugby, backs are usually the smaller, quicker, more agile players on the field. Backs need to be able to run quickly and be able to maneuver in and out of opposing players. They also need to be able to pass and catch quickly to move the ball where the opposing team is weak. Backs must have good communication and reaction time.
Picture courtesy of RugbyBoots.net
Picture courtesy of RugbyBoots.net
Scrum Half
The scrum half is undoubtedly one of the most important players of the game. Scrum halves are the link between forwards and backs. The scrum half is normally small, but very perceptive of situations. Scrum halves must have great handling and be able to pass and spin the ball easily both ways. Scrum halves are usually the first to make a tackle from the scrum and should always remain behind the scrum, ruck, and maul to be able to get the ball to the rest of the backs. The scrum half wears the #9 jersey.
Fly Half
The fly half is one of the most important backs in the game. The fly half is usually the captain of the backs having the ability to call set moves, make tactical decisions, and control where they want the backs and when. The fly half also needs to be a good kicker, an ability that is usually shared with the fullback. Fly halves do most of the kicking for the team whether it be tactical, or for touch. The fly half wears the #10 jersey.
Inside and Outside Centers
Centers, both inside and outside, need to be strong, all around players. Offensively they need to be able to move quickly, break through opposing lines, and pass quickly and accurately. Defensively, centers need to be able to make strong tackles. The inside center can also be used for kicks like a fly half, and defensively used as a "blitzing linebacker" if the need ever arises. Centers can be one of two different types. Centers can either be small, quick and agile like a winger to move the ball quickly, or they can be powerful like flankers to break through opposing defenses to try and take some attention of the wingers. The inside center wears the #12 jersey and the outside center wears the #13 jersey.
Left and Right Wings
The left wing is also known as the weakside wing. The right wing is also known as the strongside wing. Weakside wing is simply the player who is on the weak side of the backs line up, normally positioned behind a prop, in line with the strongside wing. Strongside wing is obviously the wing on the strong side of the backs line up. Wings are usually the smallest, but fastest players of the team scoring the most tries. The idea is for the forwards and other backs to create room so that when the ball reaches the wing, they have room to run for the try-line. The left wing wears the #14 jersey. The right wing wears the #14 jersey.
Fullback
A fullback is considered the last line of defense. If the team is in a position where the ball absolutely has to reach the fullback, it is the fullbacks job to kick the ball to try and progress the position of the team on the field. The fullback needs to be a very good tackler as it was once said, he is the last line of defense. In the attacking scene, the full back usually joins the backs between the inside center and the weakside wing to add additional running support to the weak side of the backs' line up. Full backs are, defensively, are like Safties of football. The fullback wears the #15 jersey.