| PLAYERS & POSITIONS On the field of play, both American football and soccer have 11 players per team. Rugby has 15 players with those same players playing both offense and defense. In rugby, each team is numbered the exact same way. The number of each player signifies that player's position. Players numbered one-eight are forwards, typically the larger, stronger players of the team whose main job is to win possession of the ball. They would be the equivalent to American football linebackers and lineman. Players numbered nine-15 are backs, the smaller, faster and more agile players. Their main role is to exploit possession of the ball won by the forwards. Backs may be equated to running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks in American football. Forwards 1 Loose Head Prop 2 Hooker 3 Tight Head Prop 4 Lock 5 Lock 6 Flanker 7 Flanker 8 Number Eight Backs 9 Scrumhalf 10 Flyhalf 11 Wing 12 Inside Center 13 Outside Center 14 Wing 15 Full Back |
