Forwards
In rugby, the forwards are usually the heavier, stronger players on the field. Forwards, also known as "The Pack", need to be powerful to support a scrum.
Picture courtesy of RugbyBoots.net.
Picture courtesy of RugbyBoots.net.
Loosehead and Tighthead Props
The purpose of both the loosehead and tighthead props are to support the hooker in the scrum, support jumpers in the line out, and support the ruck in case of a tackle from the opposing team. Props are normally the biggest and most powerful players on the team. The loosehead prop wears the #1 jersey, and the tighthead prop wears the #3 jersey.
Hooker
The hooker, usually the smallest man in the scrum, is a key player in both the scrum, and the line-out. The name "hooker" is used due to the fact that the hooker uses his foot to "hook" the ball behind the scrum. Hookers are used mainly as ball-carrying forwards even though they are the smallest of the forwards. In case of an offensive line-out, the hooker will normally be the person who throws the ball in. Defensively, the hooker normally either sits back to support the weakside winger, or the scrum half. Playing defensively in a scrum, the hooker is used as a third prop. The hooker wears jersey #2.
Locks
Locks, more commonly known as the second row, are usually the tallest players on the team, which makes them prime targets for line-outs. Locks are used as pushing support for the props in a scrum, and also aid in moving the ball towards the back of the scrum. Locks are also key players in rucks and mauls. With their massive size the can be used as key ball carriers as they can break through defenses and give the team time to catch them and support them. Locks wear the #4 and #5 jerseys.
Blindside and Openside Flankers
The blindside and openside flankers are very important players starting after the ball is out of the scrum. They need to be able to break away from the scrum more quickly than others for two main reasons. The first reason, is in the event the opposing team wins the scrum, the flankers need to be able to remove themselves from the scrum and make a quick tackle to stop the opposing team to break away with the run or pass. The second reason the flankers must be able to break away from the scrum, is in the case that their team wins the scrum, the need to be quick and easy support for the scrum half or fly half. They can either get a pass and attempt to get the ball out to the backs, or create and/or support a ruck in case the teammate goes down before the ball is able to reach the backs. The blindside flanker wears the #6 jersey, and the openside flanker wears the #7 jersey.
Eightman
The eightman, also reffered to as number eight, needs to have the strength of a tight forward such as a prop, and the speed of a loose forward such as a flanker. The eightman is the last controlling player of the ball in a scrum. The eightman needs to be able to communicate well with the scrum half to know which way the ball needs to go coming out of the scrum. The eightman can also pick the ball from the scrum which makes him a key ball-carrier. The eightman, like the locks, are usually tall and athletic. They do not push as much as props and hookers, but need to be able to remove themselves from the scrum quickly in case of a lost scrum. The eightman wears the #8 jersey.