What Do The Numbers In A Rugby Union Match Mean?

Each position in rugby union has an assigned jersey number. Usually, the starters will wear numbers one through fifteen, while the eight reserves will wear sixteen through twenty-three. The purpose of the numbers are to make it easier to identify who has the ball and where the players are supposed to be. The numbers also make it easy for the referee to give out yellow and red cards to players who have committed fouls.

Backs

They are numbered nine through 15. The scrum half (number nine) acts as the link between the forwards and the backs, moving the ball after a scrum to initiate play.

Props

There are two props on every team. They wear numbers one and number three depending on what side of the scrum they play. The props are the loose-head prop (number one) and the tight-head prop (number three).

Hookers

They wear number two. There is always one hooker on every team.

Locks

There are two locks on each team. They wear numbers four and five.

Flankers

There are two flankers on each team. They wear numbers six and seven.

Number Eight

There is one number eight on each team. Oddly enough, they wear the number eight.

Scrum Half

A back called the scrum half wears the number nine on the field. There is only one scrum half on the team.

Fly Half

There is one fly half on the team. They wear number ten.

Wingers

There are two wingers on each team. They wear numbers eleven and fourteen.

Centers

There are two centers on each team. They wear numbers twelve and thirteen. There are two types of centers, the inside center (number twelve) and the outside Center (number thirteen).

Full Back

There is one full back on each team. They wear number fifteen.