Rugby Positions Explained: All 15 Numbers & Roles

Rugby union is played with 15 players a side, and each wears a number from 1 to 15 that tells you exactly where they line up and what they do. Learning the numbers is the quickest way to make sense of the game. Here is every position explained.

The forwards (1–8)

The eight forwards are the heavy machinery of the team. They contest the scrums, lineouts and breakdowns, and do most of the close-quarter work.

1 & 3 – Props. The cornerstones of the scrum. The loosehead (1) and tighthead (3) anchor the front row and provide power up front — we break down the difference in our loosehead vs tighthead guide.

2 – Hooker. Packs down between the props, hooks the ball back in the scrum and throws into the lineout.

4 & 5 – Locks. The tallest players on the field, the engine of the scrum and the main lineout jumpers.

6 & 7 – Flankers. The fetchers and tacklers. The openside (7) and blindside (6) hunt the ball at the breakdown and rack up huge tackle counts.

8 – Number Eight. The link between forwards and backs, carrying from the base of the scrum. More in our number 8 explainer.

The backs (9–15)

The backs are the faster, more creative players who turn possession into points.

9 – Scrum-half. The link at the base of every ruck and scrum, feeding the backline.

10 – Fly-half. The playmaker who controls tempo, kicks for territory and runs the attack. See our fly-half guide.

12 & 13 – Centres. Inside (12) and outside (13) centres combine power and pace to break the defensive line.

11 & 14 – Wings. The finishers — the quickest players, who score most of the tries.

15 – Fullback. The last line of defence, fielding kicks and launching counter-attacks.

Why the numbers matter

In rugby the jersey number is the position, so a 12 is always an inside centre whatever team they play for. Once you know the numbers you can follow any match — from the URC to the Currie Cup — and know exactly who should be where. Browse our player profiles to see which South African stars wear each number.