THE TEAM:
PLAYERS & POSITIONS
:
A rugby team has fifteen players on the field of play unlike the eleven in both American football and soccer. In rugby, each team is numbered the exact same way. The number of each player signifies that player's position. Players numbered 1-8 are forwards (or scrumies), who are typically the larger, stronger players of the team whose main job is to win possession of the ball. These players are similar in size and abilities as American football linebackers and lineman. Players numbered 9-15 are backs, who tend to be the smaller, faster and more agile players. Their main role is to exploit possession of the ball that is won by the forwards, similar to the roles of American football's running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks.