Players

Players on field are divided into forwards and backs. Each position has a designated number, 1 through to 13. Numbers 14 and higher are given to players on the bench, who only come on to the field to replace a starting player who is either injured or tired.

Backs

The backs are generally smaller and more athletic. Backs are likely the most creative and evasive players on the field, preferring fine skills, tactics and/or set plays to break the defensive line in favour of brute force.

Fullback (1)

Last ditch defender, often is the extra man in attack. The title of full-back comes from the fullbacks defensive position where the player drops out of the defence line to cover the back half of the field.

Wingers, or Wing Three-Quarters (2 & 5)

Fast players that attack and defend on the edge of the field. They are probably the fastest players in a team and are responsible the left and right most portions of the field.

Centres, or Centre Three-Quarters (3 & 4)

Play just inside the wingers. Together, the wingers and centres make up the three-quarter line.

Five-Eighth, or Stand-Off Half (6)

Second receiver. They are usually seen as another centre or half back and could be considered an 'all rounder' as they do not have any set duties.

Half-Back, or Scrum-Half (7)

Feeds the scrum and is usually first receiver. In recent times they have taken on a leadership role which has lead them to be considered the player that gives a team direction in attack. The term half-back comes from the position of the player relative to the team line and the scrum.

Forwards

Hooker (9)

The hooker, like most forwards is a work horse in defence but is also expected to use his weight and speed for less finesse-based runs into the teeth of opposing tacklers. However the hooker is unlike other forwards because it is the only forward to take on a specialist role outside of scrum play; known as dummy half.

They pack in the middle of the scrum, and expected to maintain weight and power for the now-rare occasions when a team attempts to win possession against the feed at a scrum.

Prop-Forwards (8 & 10)

Packs in the front of the scrum on either side of the hooker. Generally the biggest and toughest players on the field. Their strength is useful in the tackle or as a ball carrier. However, it is still possible for an alert tight-head prop to help their side win a scrum against the feed by striking for the ball in conjunction with a drive from the rest of the pack.

Second-Row Forwards (11 & 12)

Pack in the second row of the scrum. They are mobile, active players who make many runs and tackles, and often set the pace of the game.

Lock, or Loose Forward (13)

Packs the back of the scrum, 'locking' the two second-rowers. One of the first players away after the scrum, will provide support for the scrum-half and the backs. They are often good leaders.