please how do idefine the players in the pitchie. who?

Simon JonesCoach, England

Here are the positions in 15 a side rugby:

Forwards

1 Loose Head Prop

2 Hooker

3 Tight Head Prop

4 Lock or Second Row

5 Lock or Second Row

6 Flanker (Blind side)

7 Flanker (Open side)

8 Number 8

Half Backs

9 Scrum Half

10 Fly Half Backs

11 Winger

12 Inside Centre

13 Outside Centre

14 Winger

15 Full Back

As you can see there is a split into two distinct units in a rugby team: the Forwards and the Backs. The Forwards contest for the ball with the opposition Forwards and then give the ball to the Backs who try to get past the opposition players to score. For these reasons Backs tend to be a little lighter than Forwards so they can run fast.

Let’s look at what each position needs to do:

Tight Head Prop

• Be the strong man (the rock) of the Scrum
• Strong runner with the ball over short distances
• Normally a square shaped player – big shoulders and strong legs
• Ability to stay on feet and pass in contact
• Strong tackler – tackles man and ball

Hooker

• Throw in to the lineout accurately
• Run around the pitch quickly
• Be a strong runner with the ball
• Be the boss of the scrum!

Loose head Prop

• Be strong in the scrum and so help the Hooker
• Strong support player at lineout
• Strong tackler – tackles man and ball
• Ability to stay on feet and pass in contact
• Pushes hard at the rucks and mauls

Locks (or Second Row)

• Ability to jump in lineout
• Be fast around the pitch
• Be a strong physical presence
• Aggressive defender

Blindside Flanker

• Lineout option – can be a jumper
• Strong runner with the ball
• Huge work rate
• Good defender

Number 8

• Huge work rate
• Good defender
• Strong communicator and decision maker
• Strong runner with the ball
• Understands and plans team options

Open side Flanker

• Dominate tackle and collision areas
• Really fit player who runs all day
• Fast and strong runner
• Skilful ball player who wins the ball in rucks and mauls
• Very good tackler

Scrum Half

• Quick long accurate passes
• Huge work rate
• General of the forwards
• Accurate kicker
• Understands all the Team Moves

Fly Half

• Accurate Passer – both hands –
• Quick passer
• Threat to opposition defensive lines
• All round good kicking skills
• Good decision making under pressure
• One of the team leaders

Wings

• Very fast runner
• Good at scoring tries
• Good at Swerving /Side stepping to stay on feet
• Reads other teams defence and defends accurately
• Can kick well under pressure

Centres

• Sharp runner and good stepper
• Fast over 20 metres
• A good kicker
• Strong runner with the ball
• Good passer in both directions

Full Back

• Timing in attack and counter attack
• Kicking skills of either foot
• Can catch a high ball under pressure
• Fast and strong runner
• Can run into space in attack
• Communicates defence and defends accurately

To see where the players stand on the pitch you will need to watch matches as the positions change according to what is happening in the game. You may be able to find diagrams of the positions if you put "Positions in Rugby Union" into Google.

I hope this helps you

Simon