Rugby League and Union Position Guide: Understanding the 13 and 15 Roles
Posted by SUMMIT TEAM
Rugby is a game of specific, highly skilled positions, and knowing each one inside out is key to a winning strategy. This rugby positions guide explains the responsibilities of both rugby league positions (13 players) and rugby union positions (15 players). Read on to understand the different rugby roles and maximise your team's success!
Key Takeaways
- The 13 rugby league team positions emphasise a six-tackle structure. The 15 rugby union team positions prioritise set-piece domination and continuous competition.
- Every rugby role, from the Prop to the Fly-Half, has a non-negotiable set of responsibilities critical for the team's success in all rugby formations.
- To excel in your rugby role, invest in position-specific equipment from Summit Sport, including balls, bibs, cones and training essentials, trusted by top Aussie teams.
How Many Players in a Rugby League and Rugby Union Team?
The difference in player numbers fundamentally changes the rugby formations and the individual duties of the players.
What are the 13 Positions in Rugby League?
Standard rugby league team positions consist of 13 players: Fullback (1), Wingers (2), Centres (2), Halfback, Five-Eighth, Props (2), Second-Rowers (2), Hooker, and Lock. Understanding the 13 positions in rugby league is essential for appreciating the six-tackle structure.
What are the 15 Positions in Rugby Union?
A standard rugby union team consists of 15 players: Fullback, Wingers (2), Centres (2), Fly-Half, Scrum-Half, Props (2), Hooker, Second-Row Forwards (Locks, 2), and Back-Row Forwards (Flankers, 2, and a Number 8). Knowing the 15 positions in rugby union helps you understand and support set-piece play.
Here’s detailed breakdown of each position and their key roles and responsibilities for both rugby league and union.
The Fullback
| Rugby League | Rugby Union |
| The fullback is the last line of defence, responsible for fielding kicks, organising the defence line, and launching counter-attacks with speed. | The fullback plays a similar defensive role but is often involved more in joining the attacking line as a powerful runner, especially on counter-attacks. |
The Wingers
| Rugby League | Rugby Union |
| Wingers are key for finishing off attacks and scoring tries. Positioned on the outer edges, they must use speed and agility to break down the opposition's defense. | Wingers also aim to finish attacks but are often used in set-piece moves and are critical in defending wide channels and creating space on the field |
The Centres
| Rugby League | Rugby Union |
| Centres play a crucial role in both attack and defence, often breaking through defensive lines, setting up tries, and providing support to the wingers. | Centres are key to both attack and defence. They act as strategic playmakers, distributing passes and creating opportunities for the outside backs, while tackling the centre of the field. |
The Halfback and Fly-Half
| Rugby League | Rugby Union |
| The halfback controls the game’s tempo, distributes passes, and directs the attack. The five-eighth is a key playmaker linking the forwards and backs. |
The fly-half acts as the primary playmaker, directing the attack and executing tactical kicks. The scrum-half links between the forwards and the backs, feeding the rucks and scrums. |
The Hooker
| Rugby League | Rugby Union |
| The hooker plays a central role in the ruck, ensuring quick possession and acting as a link between the forwards and backs immediately following the Play-the-Ball. | The hooker in rugby union plays a similar role but with a greater focus on set-piece plays, responsible for throwing the ball into the lineout and securing the ball in the scrum. |
The Props and Locks (Forwards)
| Rugby League | Rugby Union |
| Props are responsible for the physicality of the game, carrying the ball forward and tackling hard. The Lock provides crucial support in both defence and attack. | Props are similar, but the Locks (second-row forwards) are critical in the scrum and lineouts (where they are lifted). They provide immense physicality and strength in both attack and defence. |
Back-Row Forwards (Rugby Union Only)
The back-row forwards consist of the Flankers and the Number 8. They are responsible for making punishing tackles, securing the ball at the breakdown, and providing extra cover in both attack and defence, acting as the team's engine room.
Positioning and Formations in Rugby League and Rugby Union
Understanding rugby formations is how you turn individual rugby roles into a strategic team unit. Player positioning impacts both offensive and defensive strategies significantly.
- Rugby League: Formations typically follow patterns like 4-3, 3-4, or 5-2, emphasising quick transitions, direct running, and fluid play dictated by the six-tackle count.
- Rugby Union: Formations often focus more on set-pieces like scrums, lineouts, and mauls (like 3-4-1 back row formations), utilising the 15-player structure to create numerical advantages.
Ready to learn the fundamentals? Check out our full guide on how to play rugby league, covering all the rules, scoring, and gameplay essentials for beginners.
The Importance of Teamwork in Rugby League and Rugby Union
Players in both rugby league team positions and rugby union team positions must work together, communicate effectively, and constantly adjust their positions based on the flow of the game. It is vital to understand when to support teammates in contact, when to cover in defence, and when to exploit attacking opportunities using your specific rugby roles.
Teamwork is vitally important in both codes.
Rugby Gear for Optimal Performance
To excel in your specific rugby roles, you need reliable, high-quality gear. Summit Sport provides equipment designed to enhance performance and safety for all players.
- SUMMIT Evolution Rugby League Ball 2.0: High-quality league ball designed for superior grip and durability.
- SUMMIT Advance Rugby Union Ball 3.0: Premium union ball engineered for precise handling and kicking.
- Summit School Rugby Ball Pack: Bulk pack ideal for schools and clubs starting out, offering great value for practice.
- SUMMIT Marker Cones 50 Pack: Essential for setting out drills, marking rugby formations, and defining player positions during practice.
Visit Summit Sport to explore our rugby equipment collection and invest in the high-performance gear trusted by coaches and teams across Australia.
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