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| rugby basics |
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Rugby uniforms are basically designed for durability. The jersey is most often long-sleeved, made out of a very heavy woven cotton. The numbers the players wear are not determined by what the athlete chooses, but by their position on the field. The shorts are also very tough and can withstand a great deal of pulling and stretching. We wear spandex under the shorts since they shorts fabric is so tough; basically its just more comfortable that way. We wear tall socks to prevent as many scrapes on our shins as possible, and cleats are a must for being able to perform strong hard cuts. Also they are nice so that you don't slide all around when it is raining. Another very important aspect of rugby gear is the mouthgard. The last thing you want is to have to worry about your teeth when you are trying to pull of the perfect tackle.
The field used is grass w ith the usual exception of mud. The measurements of the field are as shown in th e image to the right. The length of the field cannot exceed 100 metres (110 yards) and the width cannot exceed 70 metres (75 yards). Each try zone or in goal cannot exceed 22 metres (25 yards) in length. Goal posts similar to those used in American football and shaped in the form of an "H" stand on the goal line at opposite ends of the field, at the beginning of each try zone. The lines usually drawn inside the field are 22 metres (25 yards) off goal, 10 metres (10 yards) off halfway and the halfway line itself. Also a 5 metre (5 yard) alley is drawn alon g the lengths of the field measured off the touchlines (out of bounds).
These are a proud bunch . . . the worker bees, the relentless tide. It is their responsibility to scramble, chase, heave and ho in effort to gain possession of the ball and then take it forward or present it very nicely t o the backs to do something with. They are then expected to remain in dogged sup port of whoever carries the ball. Their work is never done and they are also ref erred to as the pack or the scrum.
A SCRUM is also the name of the formal conglomera tion of forwards who bind together in specific positions when a scrumdown is cal led. It is the basic set formation of rugby and occurs after various minor infri ngements of the law, when the ball becomes tied up, and other times you'll learn about later. It is a face-off of sorts and a favorite among forwards. Form and timing are more important than brute strength
1: Loose Head Prop (sturdy and fearless)
2: Hooker (small, quick, ready to take control)
3: Tight Head Prop (see #1)
4,5: Second Rows (Locks) - (big and strong)
6,7: Wing Forwards (Flankers) - (quick, aggressive)
8: Number Eight (smart, foot and hand skills)
9: Scrumhalf (smart, experienced, quick) -- technically not a forward, but th e link between forwards and backs - special rules apply to the scrumhalf.
The speedsters, the golden hands, the glamour gals of rugby. Although required to ruck and maul when necessary, tackle and do whatever to adv ance the ball, the backs play in a lot less traffic than the forwards. After the forwards have won them the ball, they are expected to run, pass, kick, and scor e lots of tries.
9: Scrumhalf (as you know)
10: Flyhalf (great hands, cool head)
12: Inside Center (good change of speed)
13: Outside Center (same and faster)
11: Wing (burner)
14: Wing (ditto)
15: Fullback (very good foot, able to read game)
