Each of the 15 players on a rugby team has their own specific position. There are eight forwards and seven backs. The eight forwards are the players who form the scrum. The backs are divided into three groups: the half backs, three-quarter backs, and full backs. This position is well-suited to heavy, strongly-built players. A front-row forward, the hooker wears the number 2 on the back of his jersey.
While controlling the scrum, the hooker is also responsible for using his feet to gain control of the ball that is thrown into the tunnel in the middle of the scrum by the scrum-half, and kicking it out behind him. Like the props on either side of him, the hooker needs to be strongly built, but he also has to be agile enough to simultaneously control the scrum and secure the ball with his feet. The hooker also often has the job of throwing the ball in at a lineout.
A second-row forward, the left lock wears the number 4 on the back of his jersey. In the scrum, the left look pushes from behind the props and hooker. The left lock position is suited to players who are tall and well-built, with good jumping ability. The left lock uses his height to jump up and grab the ball in the lineout, and to catch the ball after a kickoff. A second-row forward, the right lock wears the number 5 on the back of his jersey. In the scrum, the right lock pushes from behind the props and hooker.
While the left lock is expected to have good jumping ability, the right lock needs to possess explosive power. A third-row forward, the right flanker wears the number 6 on the back of his jersey; in a scrum, the left flanker pushes from behind on the left-hand side.
Besides their role in the scrum, the left flanker also has to run about a great deal when supporting attacks made by the backs, so this is a position that requires a high level of physical fitness.
