Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Winger - Position Guide

Bryan Habana of the Springboks and Jonah Lomu of the All Blacks are two of the greatest wingers to play the game. (Photos by Getty Images)

Wingers in a game of rugby union (also known simply as wings) are tricky speedsters who score a great number of tries. Powerful, fast, nimble and athletic, they’re responsible for evading opposition defenders, hunting down kicks and performing try-saving tackles.

ADVERTISEMENT

Think you have the handling skills, trickery and the raw pace required to play as a winger? Well, read our position guide below and see if the position really is right for you.

What is a winger?

Each rugby team has two wingers (a left winger and a right winger). Both of these players act as the team’s finishers in attacking situations. To do this, they stand close to the touchlines and wait until the ball is spread out to them. From here, they use pace and trickery to work their way past opposition defenders who are trying to cover them.

Although rugby wingers play a vital role when their team is in possession, wingers also play an important role when their team doesn’t have the ball. This is because they’re asked to form the last line of defence.

Other names for a winger

Around the world, some rugby positions are known by different names. However, this isn’t the case with the winger.

That said, while some people refer to the left winger and the right winger, other people do refer to the openside winger and the blindside winger. In these instances, the openside winger plays on the side of the pitch furthest away from the last breakdown (scrum, ruck or maul). By contrast, the blindside winger operates on the other side, meaning they have less space in front of them.

What number is a winger?

As we’ve mentioned, each team has two wingers. The right winger wears the number 14 jersey and the left winger wears the number 11 jersey.

What is the average size of a winger?

Over the years, the height and weight of the average winger has varied massively. For example, former All Black great Jonah Lomu was 1.96m tall (6ft 5in), while Welsh legend Shane Williams was only 1.7m tall (5ft 7in). However, in spite of their vast height differences, both were incredible wingers who oppositions feared.

Today, the average height of a winger is around 1.86m (6ft 1in). However, as we’ve mentioned, height isn’t necessarily a factor that determines whether you can play as a winger.

That said, your height will influence the way you play the position. For example, tall wingers are usually much better under the high ball, while smaller wingers tend to be more elusive runners. Due to this, it’s important that you recognise your strengths and play to them.

Much like with height, the weight of a rugby winger will also determine how they play the game. Generally speaking, wingers take one of two forms: destructive ball runners such as Julian Savea and skilful and quick wingers such as Bryan Habana.

ADVERTISEMENT

At the larger end of the scale, a winger will usually weigh around 105kg. Meanwhile, smaller and more diminutive wingers will weigh around 90kg. Again, when assessing your weight, it’s important that you play to your strengths. For example, if you only weigh 90kg, you’ll likely have strong pace and acceleration, but you’ll be weaker in the tackle.

Related

What is the winger’s role?

The primary role of the winger is to score tries and finish off a team’s flowing attacking moves. To do this, wingers must ensure they’re in the right position to receive the ball, and then use their pace to weave away from onrushing defenders.

But, a winger cannot simply hog the touchline and wait until the ball arrives in their hands. Most teams also ask their wingers to come in off their wing and provide an extra ball carrying option. This is especially the case for larger wingers who have the ability to carry the ball through contact and create overloads. On top of this, wingers may also be asked to chase high balls or chip kicks.

However, a winger must contribute a lot more to a team than scoring tries and providing attacking support play. Defensively, they must also field high kicks, clear their own territory and perform covering tackles (often as the last line of defence).

What is the winger’s role in scrums?

Scrums are frequent occurrences in a game of rugby union. However, they’re battles between the two forward packs, so the wingers take no part.
However, even though they’re not involved in the pushing and shoving, wingers cannot switch off at scrum time. This is because, if their team emerges with the ball, they need to be ready to attack. After all, the fly half may kick the ball down their wing, pass it along the backs until it reaches the winger or make a mazy run that requires support.

ADVERTISEMENT

Similarly, if their team loses the scrum, then the winger must be prepared to defend for their lives until the forwards can get back into position.

What is the winger’s role in lineouts?

At the lineout, a team’s two wingers play a limited role.

The winger on the opposite side of the field to where the lineout is taking place will often have a lot of space. Depending on whether their team wins the lineout or not, they can either attack into this space or help defend that side of the field.

The winger on the side of the field where the lineout is taking place has a number of responsibilities. The role they need to fulfil will depend on exactly what happens at the lineout.

If the nearside winger’s team loses the lineout, then they must drop back so that they can deal with a box kick or a long clearing kick. However, if their team wins the lineout, then they will instead be responsible for chasing box kicks or clearing kicks.

Alternatively, depending on their team’s game plan, the nearside winger may also be asked to come in off the wing to take an inside pass from the fly half.

Notable wingers

Jonah Lomu and Jeff Wilson of the All Blacks. (OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images).

As they’re the chief try scorers on a team, many wingers are household names. As part of our recent RugbyPass Hall of Fame fan vote, we asked rugby fans from around the world who their favourite left and right wingers of all time were.

Unsurprisingly, they resoundingly told us that the greatest left winger of all time was the legendary Jonah Lomu. He gathered three times as many votes as South African speedster Bryan Habana, who was well ahead of Wales star Shane Williams.

When it came to the right winger, the contest was much more even. That said, Australian legend David Campese was still a clear winner. He was followed in the voting by Doug Howlett, Jeff Wilson, Rory Underwood and John Kirwan.

FAQs

Now, you know all the basics about functioning as a rugby winger. However, if you’re interested in learning even more about the position, then read on. Below, we’ve answered a number of popular reader questions about wingers in rugby, including how to train for the position and the physical attributes required to play there.

Are wingers important in rugby?

In a rugby game, wingers are incredibly important. Inventive and highly skilled players, they’re responsible for spotting gaps in defensive lines, running onto kicks and spreading the play. In low scoring games, a dynamic winger who can break through a small gap can be invaluable.

Similarly, in defence, a quick winger can prevent the opposition getting over the try line. Functioning as the last line of defence, they can be the difference between conceding 5-8 points and keeping the opposition scoreless.

What’s the difference between the left winger and the right winger?

In truth, there isn’t too much difference between the left winger and the right winger, and both players stay close to their own touchline.

Whichever role is best for you will depend on where you feel comfortable. For example, if you prefer to catch the ball when it’s coming from the right, you like to carry the ball in your left hand and you prefer kicking with your left foot, then you’re probably most suited to the left wing.

If the opposite is true, then you’re probably better suited to the right wing. However, both wingers play exactly the same role in the game.

What skills do I need to play as a winger?

As a winger, your most important attribute is your pace. If you can combine your sheer pace with light feet, creativity and evasiveness, you’ll be lethal in possession.

On top of this, you must also possess the ability to bring down opposition players who are already in full flight, and be able to catch high balls.

How fast are rugby wingers?

A winger must be one of the fastest players on the pitch. To give you an idea of just how rapid elite rugby wingers are, England winger Jonny May has been recorded running at 37.71 km/h.

On average, the maximum speed of an elite rugby winger is around 9.15 meters per second, which is seriously rapid. But, it’s important to remember these stats reflect the elite level and there’s no need for you to match these levels in club rugby.

Instead, you should compare your speed against the other players in your team. You should then aim to be the fastest player in your squad… and then league. This applies both over short distances and longer runs.

What training exercises do wingers complete?

To fend off opposition defenders, you must have strong shoulders and a strong core. However, you also need to have high levels of leg strength, as this will improve your acceleration and evasiveness.

To help build your muscles in a way that will improve your wing play, you should focus on completing the following exercises while you’re in the gym:

  • Overhead presses
  • Wood choppers
  • Squats
  • Bench-press
  • Lunges
  • Deadlifts

Although working hard in the gym is incredibly useful, you also need to focus on other aspects of your game. For example, when your gym work is finished, you must also complete a number of kicking and speed drills.

Of course, wingers in club rugby cannot compete with the strength and conditioning standards that are set at the elite level. However, knowing these standards can give you something to aim for.

  • An elite winger will be able to:
  • Squat 1.6x their bodyweight
  • Bench-press 1.3x their bodyweight
  • Run 3km in 11 minutes
  • Sprint 40m in less than 5 seconds

Related

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Bull Shark 52 minutes ago
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner

Why is Joe Schmidt the best option for Australia? (LONG READ)


An essay for @OJohn with love from South Africa.


OJohn keeps banging on about kiwis and Saffers and everyone else seeking to undermine and bring down Australian rugby… Blah, Blah, Blah. It’s boring and not worth responding too 99 days out of 100.


He misses the point completely that Australians either are or are not the masters of their own destiny. So to blame anyone else but themselves for what the state of Australian rugby is in - is hypocritical.


But recently, Australia has shown signs of life. Personally, I always believed they would be back at some point. At the beginning of this year I predicted that the wallabies would bounce back this year. I predicted that they would overtake England in the world rankings. I am predicting that they could finish second in the RC, could win the Lions series and could make it to a RWC final at home.


I tend to get ahead of myself when I’m excited... Ask my wife. But forgive me for getting excited about the Wallabies looking good! Is it so bad?


Like OJohn, I believe that Australia’s lands abound with natures gifts, including athletic specimens across any sporting code the Aussies compete in. It’s one of the reasons most of us don’t like Aussies. They win sh1t. Regularly. And look smug when they do...


But back to OJohn. And his banging on about the need for Australia to have an Australian coach. Here are a few highlights of his argument:


Several times I've given a list of half a dozen Australian coaches who would be more Australian than Schmidt and just as successful.

Tell me which Australian coaches would be acceptable to coach the All Blacks ......?

Because South Africans and Kiwis and Welshmen and Scotsman are all s.... scared that if an immensely talented and athletic team like Australia is ever able to harness nationalistic Australian passion with an Australian coach, you'll all be s.c.r.e.w.e.d.


And then finally – the list of 6:


Ewen McKenzie, Less Kiss, Stephen Larkham, Jim McKay, David Nucifora, Scott Wisenthal, Ben Mowen, Rod Kafer, Mick Byrne, John Manetti, Jason Gilmore, Dan McKellar.

Plus, a special request:


Keep in mind Rod MacQueen never won a Super Rugby title before he was appointed Wallaby coach but he ended up the greatest rugby coach the world has ever seen. Better than Erasmus even. Who is probably the next best.

Right. I don’t care about the tinfoil hat theories. I want to assess OJohn’s list and determine whether any of them fit the mold of a Rod Macqueen.

 

Like Rod Macqueen the following world cup winning coaches never won a Super Rugby Title:


·       David Kirk, 1987 (17 appearances for New Zealand)

·       Kitch Kristie, 1995

·       Rod Macqueen, 1999

·       Clive Woodward, 2003 (21 Appearance for England)

·       Jake White, 2007 (School Teacher)

·       Graham Henry, 2011 (School Teacher)

·       Steve Hansen, 2015 (Policeman)

·       Rassie Erasmus, 2019 (36 Appearances for South Africa)

·       Jacques Nienaber, 2023 (Physiotherapist).


I couldn't find out what Rod or Kitch did other than coach.


The only coach who has won a Super title and a World Cup?

·       Bob Dwyer, 1991 (A Tahs man wouldn’t you know!)


In fact coaches that have won super rugby titles have not won world cups. Robbie Deans. Heyneke Meyer to name just two.


I know I’m being childish, but I needed to bring this list in somehow because it’s quite obvious that whatever these coaches did before they became international level coaches is largely immaterial. Or is it?


Interestingly Ewan McKenzie (A Tah Man!) has won a Super title. And despite being a Tah Man made it into OJohn’s list. That’s two strikes for Ewan Mckenzie based on OJohn’s criteria so far. Not to mention his 50% win rate as head coach of the Wallabies between 2013 and 2014 (and the laundry list of off the field fcuk ups that swirled around the team at the time).


So Ewan is out.


I find it interesting that, as we speak, eight out of the ten top ranked men’s teams are coached by former international players:

1.      South Africa, Rassie Erasmus (36 appearances for South Africa)

2.      Ireland, Andy Farrell (8 appearances for England)

3.      New Zealand, Scott Robertson (23 appearances for New Zealan)

4.      France, Fabien Galthie (64 appearances for France)

5.      Argentina, Felipe Contemponi (87 appearances for Argentina)

6.      Scotland, Gregor Townsend (82 appearances for Scotland)

7.      England, Steve Borthwick (57 appearances for England)

8.      Australia, Joe Schmidt (School Teacher)

9.      Fiji, Michael Byrne (Aussie Rules Player)

10.  Italy, Gonzalo Quesada (38 appearances for Argentina).


It would appear as though we have entered an era where successful international coaches, largely, have played rugby at international level in the professional era. Or are ex school teachers. Much like Jake White and Graham Henry! Or a policeman.

 

Back to OJohn’s List. That leaves us with:


·       Less Kiss, (I like the look of)

·       Stephen Larkham, (I like the look of)

·       Jim McKay, (Very little to write home about)

·       David Nucifora, (Too old)

·       Scott Wisenthal, (I literally can’t find anything on him on the Google).

·       Ben Mowen, (Too young, no coaching experience)

·       Rod Kafer, (No coaching experience)

·       Mick Byrne, (He’s coaching the Fijians, Aussie rules!)

·       John Manetti, (Can’t find him on the google)

·       Jason Gilmore, (Seems to be working through the ranks, coaching Wallabies A)

·       Dan McKellar, (Not much to write home about, but could be an option).


Applying some logic, I would say the following are viable options based on age, experience in coaching AND the fact that they have played rugby for Australia in the professional era:

·       Less Kiss, (I like the look of)

·       Stephen Larkham, (I like the look of)

·       Jason Gilmore, (Seems to be working through the ranks, coaching Wallabies A)


After having done all this research, I think it’s fair to say that none of these three have the same pedigree as Joe Schmidt, the teacher. Who took a sh1tty Ireland team to no.1. Won a few 6 Nations and helped get the All Blacks to a world cup final in 2023.


Joe’s the best option for now. But if Kiss, Larkham and Gilmore are the business for the future for Australia get them in now as assistants to Joe and stop moaning!!


Errors and Ommissions accepted. Mispelling of names is OJohn's fault.

12 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Lamb to the slaughter? Italy aim to 'get stuck into' All Blacks Lamb to the slaughter? Italy aim to 'get stuck into' All Blacks
Search