Rugby 7s Positions Explained

Although rugby 7s is a form of rugby union, the two games are very different. For example, while a traditional game of rugby union features 15 players on each side, a game of rugby 7s only involves 7 players on each team (as the name suggests).

On top of this, there are other differences between the two formats. For example, in rugby 7s, the halves are shorter and the game is quicker.

Rugby 7s positions are slightly different to the positions in rugby union. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the rugby 7s positions in each team, so you can see exactly what each player does.

Forwards and Backs

As we mentioned, each rugby 7s team has 7 players. Much like in the XV-a-side version of rugby union, players in a rugby 7s team are split into forwards and backs.

Each rugby 7s team consists of three forwards (a hooker and two props) and four backs (a scrum half, a fly half, a centre and a winger). Although players in all positions must have strong running and passing skills, some of these positions also require specialist skills. For example, the props and the hooker need to compete in the scrums. On top of this, different players also have different attacking and defensive responsibilities.

The Differences Between XV-a-Side Rugby and Rugby 7s

The roles played by the forwards and the backs in a game of rugby 7s are different to the roles of a player in a traditional game of rugby. For example, at scrum time in rugby 7s, 3 forwards bind into the scrum (rather than 8).

In open play, a typical defensive formation involves a line of 6 defenders, with 1 sweeper behind the line. The attacking team then uses all 7 players against the defending team’s 6 players. Due to this, the backs in the attacking team tend to move the ball a lot in an attempt to create an overload. In addition to this, the defending team can also be put under more pressure if they make a tackle and commit people to the ruck. This is because it leaves fewer players in the defending line and leaves more space for the attacking team to exploit.

On top of this, because the way set pieces are taken in a rugby 7s game is different to the way they’re taken in a fifteens game, the role of the forwards is much different and the pace of the game is quicker. For example, because scrums in 7s involve three players forming one row instead of eight players forming three rows, scrums tend to assemble more quickly, require fewer restarts, and the ball exits the scrum more quickly.

Similarly, when a player is tackled and a ruck is formed, the ball tends to exit the ruck more quickly, as the attacking team generally only has three players involved in the ruck – the tackled player, one support player and one scrum-half.

Finally, unlike in the XV-a-side version of rugby union, players in rugby 7s do not wear a number that corresponds to their position. Instead, the numbering in rugby 7s is far more flexible. In a squad of twelve players, the players will be numbered 1 through 12. The starting players can have any of the 12 numbers, not necessarily 1 through 7. Plus, no set numbers differentiate positions, this means that a prop does not have to wear 1. Instead, this number can be worn by any squad player.

Rugby 7s Positions

Now we know a little bit more about the roles of the forwards and the backs during the game and how a rugby 7s match is different to a XV-a-side rugby union match, let’s take a more detailed look at the rugby 7s positions. This way, you can learn more about the responsibilities of each player.

Go here for Rugby 15s position guides:

The Forwards

Each rugby 7s team plays 3 forwards. They are:

Loosehead and Tighthead Prop

As we mentioned, scrums in rugby 7s involve 3 players from each team. In these scrums, the 3 forwards of one team (two props and a hooker), push against the 3 opposition forwards.

The 2 forwards on the outside of the scrum are known as the props. Some people also refer to them as prop forwards. They’re known as props because their main role is to ‘prop up’ the scrum. In a rugby 7s scrum, the loosehead prop is on the left of the scrum, while the tighthead prop is on the right. In between, there’s the hooker. Apart from where they stand in the scrum, there aren’t too many differences between the loosehead prop and the tighthead prop in a rugby 7s match.

In rugby 7s, the props are often the strongest players on the pitch. They’re also usually hard runners who are also required to lift in lineouts and hit rucks. Although many props in international matches are very quick, props are often the slowest of all the 7s rugby positions. They are also usually the heaviest players on the pitch. That said, some taller props are used in a lineout to catch the ball. They’re usually lifted by the other prop.

Check out our guides below for more information on loosehead and tighthead props in rugby 15s:

Hooker

So, we already know that the forward in the middle of the scrum is the hooker. Their job is to hook the ball backwards, so it can be delivered to the backs. In the scrum, the hooker will also keep the props steady and straight.

Remember, scrums in rugby 7s don’t tend to last as long, so not as much effort is placed into driving forwards. However, pushing hard is also a tactic that can get an edge. If the team decides to go with this tactic, the hooker will push in unison with the props and attempt to catch the opposition off guard.

If a hooker’s team wins the scrum, the hooker will leave the scrum immediately and will run to support the half back. Meanwhile, the hooker on the defending team will also leave the scrum straightaway in order to defend.

In the fifteen-a-side version of rugby union, the hooker also throws the ball into play at the lineout. However, in rugby 7s, this has become increasingly rare. Instead, the hooker is now usually used to help lift the player catching the ball. On occasion, a particularly light hooker is sometimes used as the catcher.

Check out our handy guide for rugby 15s hookers below:

Scrum half

Of all the rugby 7s positions, the scrum half has the most varied role.

As the name of the position suggests, even though the scrum half doesn’t push at the scrum, they do still play a role at the set piece. This is because, after the scrum has formed, the scrum half is responsible for feeding the ball into the scrum and rolling the ball towards their hooker’s feet.
On top of this, the scrum half is also responsible for throwing the ball into play at the lineout. After they’ve done this, they then run into position so they can receive the ball from the catcher. From here, they will either run with the ball themselves or set up the attack by throwing the ball out wide, where the space is. Due to this, they need to possess excellent passing skills and be elusive runners.

Away from the set pieces, a scrum half will act as a playmaker in attack (alongside the fly half). In doing this, they form the link between the forwards and the backs. In attack, they usually support the forwards and pass the ball out to the fly half or centre. They are also expected to look for gaps and break up the field at pace themselves.

On top of this, one of the main aims of the scrum half is to create situations where their team has an overload. One of the best ways of doing this is to attack down the middle of the field, so that options are available on the left and the right. Due to this, the scrum half often passes to the fly half, who is in a central position. They can then set up the attacking play.

Meanwhile, in defence, the scrum half often acts as the sweeper. Here, they catch and tackle the members of the opposition that have managed to break through the defensive line. To do this, they need to cover the entire width of the pitch. Obviously, this is an incredibly tiring job, so the scrum half must be able to anticipate and recognise the opposition’s likely attacking moves. This skill comes from their experience of directing attacks themselves.

The main difference between the scrum half rugby 7s position and the position in the fifteen-a-side game is that scrum halves in rugby XVs do most of the passing from the rucks. However, because the pace of a 7s game is much quicker, every player is expected to have the ability to pass the ball away from the ruck. This way, the scrum half can act as a playmaker instead. Due to this, the scrum halves in rugby 7s usually position themselves to receive the pass and start the attacking play instead.

See our guide for rugby 15s scrum halves below:

Fly Half

The fly half (also sometimes known as the stand-off, outhalf or second five-eighth) is the side’s main playmaker. As a result, the fly half aims to build attacks through their impressive passing and running skills.

Of course, players in all of the 7s rugby positions must have good passing and running skills. But, generally speaking, the fly halves are the best. Using these skills, they aim to direct the flow of attacks and put their team into situations where they have more attackers in one area of the field than the opposition has defenders. To do this, the fly half usually stands in the middle of the pitch, so they have options on both sides when they receive the ball from the scrum half.

On top of this, the fly half is usually the team’s dedicated kicker, so they must also be good with their feet. The fly half is responsible for kicking at the restart and for lineout position from penalties. Plus, they also kick the conversion after a try is scored and kick penalties.

In rugby 7s, the restart is incredibly tactical. The usual aim is to kick the ball high and into a particular area of the field. If the fly half can keep the ball in the air for long enough, their teammates can reach the spot where the ball would land before the opposition. However, sometimes, a fly half will choose to kick the ball longer into opposition territory. This way, if the kick is high enough, the chaser can immediately tackle the opposition player and put them under pressure near their own try line.

At the lineout, the fly half can also be used to throw the ball into play. They can then receive the ball directly from the forward who caught the ball.

Check our our handy guide for rugby 15s fly halves below:

Centre

In rugby 7s, the centre acts as the link between the fly half and the winger when the team is attacking. For this reason, they often provide the final pass that sends the winger running over the try line.

On top of this, the centre also plays an important role in defence. With their position in midfield, the centre is in a great position to see the opposition’s attacking moves build. As a result, they must communicate with their teammates to ensure the defensive setup is correct.

Although all players who play in the backs must have speed, the centres tend to be large players who are capable of taking contact.

Overall, to be an effective centre, a player must be a strong ball carrier who can also bring the ball into contact. By doing this, they can drag two or three opposition players into a defensive ruck. On top of this, centres are often the best defensive players in the squad and lead the defensive line.

Please see our guides for rugby 15s inside and outside centres below:

Winger

In some matches of fifteen-a-side rugby, the wingers are lucky to touch the ball more than a handful of times. This is particularly the case in tightly-contested test matches.

But, because there are far fewer players on the field in a game of rugby 7s, the team’s winger is far more involved in the play (remember there’s only one winger rather than two).

In rugby 7s, the winger still usually stays out near the touchline. In attack, their aim is to receive the final pass and then make a run over the try line. However, with fewer defenders to face, it’s also common for the winger to receive the ball deep in their own half, make a swerving run and beat the defensive line before scoring a thrilling try. They do also sometimes move centrally, when required.

Due to the role they play, those who occupy this 7s rugby position are exceptionally quick. Often, their pace over a traditional sprinting distance isn’t far off Olympic standards. But, a winger must still be strong. After all, they need to shake off tackles from onrushing defenders and make their own tackles in defence, when needed.

See our rugby 15s Winger position guide below: