Scrum-half<\/p>\n
The scrum-half feeds the ball into the scrum and, all going well, will collect it when it comes out and start the attacking phase of play.<\/p>\n
They wear the number nine in the starting XV.<\/p>\n
Scrum-halves are often the smallest players on the field and must be agile both physically and mentally to make quick decisions and set up attacks.<\/p>\n
Fly-half<\/p>\n
Often the glamour player, the fly-half is central to a team’s attack and will usually direct play and issue tactical instructions.<\/p>\n
They are also usually the team’s goal kicker – when the ball comes out of the scrum it will often be passed to them to kick, either for goal or to set up an attack.<\/p>\n
In the starting XV, they wear number 10.<\/p>\n
Centre<\/p>\n
Each team has two centres in their starting XV – the inside centre, nearest the scrum, and the outside centre.<\/p>\n
These players wear numbers 12 and 13.<\/p>\n
As the name suggests, centres play in the middle of the pitch and must be good at running in attack as well as strong in the tackle against opposition backs.<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
There are two wings in a rugby team who in the starting XV wear numbers 11 and 14.<\/p>\n
The left wing and right wing, as the names suggest, line up on the far sides of the pitch to provide speed and width to their team’s attack.<\/p>\n
They are usually the quickest players and should provide the main source of tries.<\/p>\n
Full-back<\/p>\n
A full-back wears number 15 and is often positioned well behind their team-mates when lining up on the field.<\/p>\n
They do this to catch high balls kicked by the opposition team and to provide a last line of defence should the opponent break through the main defensive line.<\/p>\n
The full-back is also expected to support in attacks and start moves too, so must be exceptionally quick and physically fit.<\/p>\n
Ellie Kildunne, England’s world player of the year, plays in the position for the tournament hosts.<\/p>\n