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1. Loosehead Prop - Usually the stockiest member of the team, whose head typically joins his shoulders without recourse to a neck. His job is to support the hooker in the scrums and the jumpers in the lineout. Thrives on physically intimidating his opposite number.

2. Hooker - Similar build to the prop, but usually more mobile with superior handling skills. His role is to throw the ball into the lineout and win the ball when it is fed into the scrum by hooking it back with his foot - hence the name.

3. Tighthead Prop - Usually the stockiest member of the team, whose head typically joins his shoulders without recourse to a neck. His job is to support the hooker in the scrums and the jumpers in the lineout. Thrives on physically intimidating his opposite number.

4. Second Row - Invariably the tallest men in the team. It is their job to win the ball in the lineout and provide the main impetus to the scrum. Due to their height, weight and increased athleticism, locks now perform a vital role in loose play.

5. Second Row - Invariably the tallest men in the team. It is their job to win the ball in the lineout and provide the main impetus to the scrum. Due to their height, weight and increased athleticism, locks now perform a vital role in loose play.

6. Blindside Flanker - The flanker who binds onto the scrum on whichever side is closest to a touchline. Primarily concerned with w

7. Openside Flanker - The flanker who binds onto the side of a scrum furthest from a touchline. A ball winner whose role is to disrupt the opposition's backs. Usually the quickest of the forwards, he often provides an extra man for his own backs in an attacking move. Thrives on battering fly-halves and centres.

8. Number 8 - Packs down at the back of the scrum, between the two locks. Responsible for the crucial role of providing the scrum-half with good ball from the base of the scrum or launching attacks from the same position. Often more physically imposing than his back row colleagues, he is a ball winner at the tail of the lineout and a ball carrier in loose play.

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See also ..........
Basics of the game
Rugby terms
Lineouts
Scrums