The seven backs in rugby union, wearing numbers 9 to 15, use speed, passing, kicking and decision-making to turn the possession won by the forwards into points. They include the half backs (scrum half and fly half), the midfield (inside and outside centers) and the back three (two wingers and the fullback). The scrum half links forwards and backs with quick passing, the fly half directs play and often kicks goals, the centers carry hard and make key tackles in midfield, the wingers finish tries and chase kicks, and the fullback is the last line of defense and a dangerous counter-attacker. Together, the backs create space, exploit defensive gaps and manage territory with the boot. Each position needs a different mix of skills, but all backs need to catch, pass, tackle and read the game.
Rulebook note: Positions described here follow rugby union as governed by World Rugby’s Laws of the Game. Rugby league and sevens use different back structures and names, and some regions use alternative names for positions. Check the current laws for your competition.
Back positions at a glance
| No. | Position | Main jobs |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Scrum half | Links forwards and backs, quick passing, box kicks |
| 10 | Fly half | Main decision-maker, tactical kicking, goal kicking |
| 12 | Inside center | Strong carrier, second playmaker |
| 13 | Outside center | Pace, line breaks, key defender |
| 11, 14 | Wings | Finishing tries, chasing kicks |
| 15 | Fullback | Last line of defense, fielding kicks, counter-attacks |
Back groupings
Half backs (9 and 10): The scrum half and fly half control the flow of the game, deciding when and where to pass, run or kick.
Midfield (12 and 13): The centers attack and defend in the middle of the field, often taking on heavy contact and creating or finishing line breaks.
Back three (11, 14 and 15): The wingers and fullback cover the wide channels and the back field, finishing attacks and handling kicks.
Scrum half (9)
The scrum half is the link between forwards and backs. They feed the ball into scrums, collect it from the back, and pass quickly and accurately from rucks and mauls. Scrum halves often box kick to contest possession or gain territory, and they direct the forwards around the breakdown. The position requires fast hands, sharp decision-making, a loud voice and the fitness to reach every breakdown. Scrum halves are often among the smaller players on the team but must be tough in defense.
Fly half (10)
The fly half, also called outside half or first five-eighth in some countries, is usually the main decision-maker. They decide whether to run, pass or kick, organize the backline’s attacking moves and often take goal kicks. Good fly halves have excellent vision, a strong and accurate kicking game, composure under pressure and the ability to read defenses. They also need to tackle effectively, since opponents often target the fly half’s channel.
Inside center (12)
The inside center, also called second five-eighth in some regions, often acts as a second playmaker alongside the fly half. Many inside centers are powerful carriers who break the gain line and create space for others. They need good passing and kicking skills, strong defense and the ability to make decisions in tight spaces.
Outside center (13)
The outside center plays in wider midfield channels, where there is more space. They typically need pace, evasive running and the ability to time passes to the wingers. Defensively, the outside center has one of the hardest jobs, reading attacking patterns and making decisions about which attacker to tackle when outnumbered.
Wingers (11 and 14)
The left wing (11) and right wing (14) are usually the fastest players on the team. Their main job is to finish scoring opportunities on the edges of the field. They also chase kicks, cover the back field alongside the fullback, and increasingly come off their wings to carry the ball in midfield. Speed, evasion, finishing ability and a strong aerial game are key.
Fullback (15)
The fullback is the last line of defense, positioned deep to field kicks and make try-saving tackles. In attack, fullbacks often join the backline as an extra player, creating overlaps, and launch counter-attacks after catching kicks. The position demands excellent catching under pressure, a strong kicking game, positional awareness and the pace to exploit broken defenses.
How the backs work together
Backs succeed through coordination. The half backs set the tempo and choose the play, the centers straighten the attack and draw defenders, and the back three exploit the space created. Communication is vital, both in attack, where players call moves and options, and in defense, where the backline must stay connected and decide who is marking whom. Backs also coordinate their kicking game, deciding when to kick for territory, when to contest high balls and when to keep the ball in hand.
Skills every back needs
While each back position has its specialties, a common set of skills underpins them all. Passing accurately off both hands, at speed and under pressure, is essential for moving the ball across the field. Catching cleanly, including high balls, prevents turnovers. Tackling is non-negotiable, since opponents often target the backline, and many tries come from missed tackles in wide channels. Reading the game, recognizing overlaps, defensive gaps and space behind the line, allows backs to make the right decisions quickly. Kicking skills, from box kicks and grubbers to long territorial kicks, are increasingly important for several positions. Finally, communication ties it together, with backs constantly talking to coordinate attack and defense.
Regional names for positions
Some back positions have different names in different countries. In New Zealand and some other parts of the rugby world, the fly half is often called the first five-eighth and the inside center the second five-eighth. The fly half is also known as the outside half or standoff in parts of the United Kingdom, and the scrum half is sometimes called the halfback. The numbers on the jerseys, however, are standard across rugby union, which makes them the most reliable way to identify positions when watching matches from different countries.
Utility backs
Many backs can cover more than one position. A utility back might play fly half, center and fullback, or wing and fullback, depending on the team’s needs. Versatile players are especially valuable on the bench, where coaches have limited replacements. Developing skills for a second position, such as kicking for a center or playmaking for a fullback, can increase a player’s chances of selection and deepen their understanding of the game.
How to choose a back position
- Assess your speed: the fastest players often suit the wings or fullback.
- Consider your decision-making: strong organizers suit scrum half or fly half.
- Think about your physical profile: powerful runners may suit inside center.
- Evaluate your kicking and catching for fly half and fullback.
- Try several positions in training and ask your coach for feedback.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Drifting too wide and losing connection with teammates.
- Neglecting defense, since backs must tackle too.
- Over-kicking instead of using possession well.
- Poor communication in the backline.
Frequently asked questions
Who kicks goals in rugby?
Often the fly half, though any player can be the designated goal kicker.
What is the back three in rugby?
The two wingers and the fullback, who cover the wide channels and the back field.
What does a scrum half do?
They link forwards and backs, passing from scrums, rucks and mauls, and often box kick.
