The eight forwards in rugby union, wearing numbers 1 to 8, are responsible for winning and securing possession. They anchor the scrum, contest the lineout, dominate the breakdown at rucks and mauls, and do much of the carrying and tackling in open play. The forwards are divided into the front row (loosehead prop, hooker and tighthead prop), the second row (two locks) and the back row (blindside flanker, openside flanker and number eight). The front row and second row together form the tight five, specialists in set pieces and close contact, while the back row, also called the loose forwards, combine set-piece work with mobility, tackling and breakdown skills. Each position requires a distinct mix of strength, technique, fitness and decision-making.
Rulebook note: Positions described here follow rugby union as governed by World Rugby’s Laws of the Game. Competitions often require suitably trained front-row players for contested scrums, and age-grade rugby may modify set pieces. Rugby league and sevens use different forward structures. Check the current laws for your competition.
Forward positions at a glance
| No. | Position | Main jobs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loosehead prop | Scrum stability, lifting in lineouts, carrying |
| 2 | Hooker | Hooking in scrums, lineout throwing, breakdown work |
| 3 | Tighthead prop | Anchors the scrum on the tight side |
| 4, 5 | Locks (second row) | Scrum power, lineout jumpers, restarts |
| 6 | Blindside flanker | Tackling, carrying, lineout options |
| 7 | Openside flanker | Breakdown specialist, first to rucks |
| 8 | Number eight | Controls ball at scrum base, strong carrier |
Forward groupings
Front row (1, 2, 3): The props and hooker form the front of the scrum. They carry the heaviest scrummaging loads and need specialized technique and neck strength.
Second row (4, 5): The two locks bind behind the front row and provide the main pushing power in the scrum. They are usually the tallest players and key lineout jumpers.
Back row (6, 7, 8): The flankers and number eight bind on the sides and back of the scrum. They are the most mobile forwards, covering the field to tackle, carry and compete at the breakdown.
Tight five (1 to 5): The front row and second row together, specialists in scrums, lineouts, mauls and tight carrying.
Loosehead prop (1)
The loosehead prop packs down on the left side of the scrum, with their head outside the opposing tighthead. Their job is to provide a stable platform for their own hooker and to put pressure on the opposing tighthead. In the lineout, looseheads often lift jumpers. In open play, they carry the ball in tight areas, clear rucks and make tackles. Strength, a solid core and good scrummaging technique are essential.
Hooker (2)
The hooker sits between the two props in the front row. At the scrum, the hooker strikes the ball back with their foot. In most teams, the hooker throws the ball in at lineouts, a highly technical skill that requires accuracy under pressure. Hookers are often mobile around the field, carrying, tackling and competing at the breakdown, and many are key figures in lineout mauls.
Tighthead prop (3)
The tighthead prop packs down on the right side of the scrum, with their head between the opposing loosehead and hooker. They face pressure from two opponents and are often considered the anchor of the scrum. A strong tighthead can make or break a team’s set piece. Tightheads also lift in lineouts and contribute tackles and carries in open play.
Locks (4 and 5)
Locks, also called second-row forwards, are usually the tallest players on the team. They are the main lineout jumpers, catching or tapping the throw, and they provide the engine room of the scrum, pushing behind the front row. Locks also catch kick-offs and restarts, hit rucks, carry the ball and make many tackles. Height, power, athleticism and a high work rate define the position. Many teams have one lock who calls the lineout.
Blindside flanker (6)
The blindside flanker binds on the side of the scrum closest to the touchline, known as the blind side. They are typically strong defenders and powerful carriers, often providing an additional lineout jumping option. Blindside flankers make many tackles and contribute physically at rucks and mauls.
Openside flanker (7)
The openside flanker binds on the open side of the scrum, where most attacking play happens. They are breakdown specialists, often first to the ruck, aiming to win turnovers by jackaling or slowing opposition ball legally. Opensides need speed, fitness, strong tackling and excellent body position over the ball. They also link with the backs in attack and defense.
Number eight (8)
The number eight packs down at the back of the scrum, between the locks, controlling the ball with their feet as it arrives. They can pick up the ball and run, or leave it for the scrum half. Number eights are often dynamic ball carriers, strong defenders and additional lineout options at the back. They need a mix of power, handling skill and decision-making.
How the forwards work together
Although each forward has a specialized role, the pack succeeds as a unit. At scrums, all eight must bind tightly and push together on the same cue, with the back five adding weight behind the front row. At lineouts, the thrower, jumpers and lifters rely on precise timing and a shared code system. In open play, forwards often work in small pods of two or three players, carrying the ball close to the ruck to gain ground and draw defenders in before the backs attack wider. At the breakdown, the first forwards to arrive must decide quickly whether to clear out, protect the ball or stay out and rejoin the defensive line. A cohesive pack that communicates well can control the tempo of a match and give the backs quality possession.
The modern forward
The demands on forwards have changed over time. Modern forwards are expected to be more mobile and skillful than in the past, handling the ball comfortably, passing accurately and making decisions in open play, while still performing their core set-piece and contact roles. Fitness demands are high, since forwards may make dozens of tackles and ruck involvements in a match. Many teams also use their bench strategically, bringing on fresh forwards later in the game to maintain intensity at the set piece and breakdown. For young players, developing all-round skills alongside strength and technique is the best preparation for a modern forward role.
How to choose a forward position
- Consider your build: strength and a strong lower body suit the front row; height suits the second row; mobility suits the back row.
- Assess your skills: throwing accuracy for hooker, jumping for locks, breakdown work for flankers.
- Try positions in training under coach guidance.
- Get specialist training before playing in the front row.
- Develop fitness and strength suited to your position.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Playing front row without proper scrum training.
- Neglecting fitness, since forwards cover more ground than many expect.
- Ignoring handling skills, which modern forwards need.
- Poor body position at rucks and mauls.
Frequently asked questions
How many forwards are in a rugby union team?
Eight, wearing numbers 1 to 8.
What is the tight five in rugby?
The front row and second row together: two props, the hooker and two locks.
What does an openside flanker do?
They specialize in breakdown work, aiming to win turnovers and support attack and defense across the field.
