CHAPTER 87 • RUGBY INJURIES 515
b.Exception: A referee may permit a substituted
tight five player to return to the match to replace
an injured player if no eligible player on the
team is experienced in these skilled positions.
- The play clock runs continuously.
- There is one referee to monitor play. (USA Rugby
Football Union, 2003)
a. Play is stopped only for a penalty, the ball leav-
ing field of play, a score, or a serious injury (in
the referee’s judgment).
b.The referee may summon a medical attendant
onto to the pitch, or may allow the player to
temporarily leave the pitch for medical evalua-
tion.
c. Even though a medical attendant may be on the
pitch evaluating an injured player, the referee
may allow play to continue around the injured
player.
d. The medical attendant does not have the power
to stop play but does have the ability to deter-
mine whether an injured player is allowed to
continue to play.
- Rules have been instituted to decrease the inci-
dence of neck injury in rugby union. The following
actions are illegal:
a. High tackles above the level of the shoulders.
b.Spearing.
c. Leaving your feet to make a tackle.
d. Tackling a player who is in the follow through
phase of kicking a ball.
e. Tackling a player who has jumped in the air to
catch a ball.
f. The tackler must wrap the opposing ball carrier
with arms or grasp the player with hands.
Tacklers cannot merely hit the opponent with a
shoulder or shove him or her.
i. This rule separates rugby union from other
contact-collision sports.
g. Laws are periodically reviewed and revised by
the international rugby board to enhance safety
and improve the flow of the game.
- There are 15 players on each team with specific
positions and responsibilities (USA Rugby
Football Union, 2003).
- Each team ideally has at least 5 to 7 substitutes
available.
3.The players numbered 1 through 8 are the forwards
and are affectionately referred to as the scrum.
a. They are generally responsible for gaining and
maintaining possession of the ball.
- Players numbered 9 through 15 are the backs.
a. They are generally responsible for advancing the
ball down the field and defending the open field.
- Props
a. Position no. 1—Loose head prop
b. Position no. 3—Tight head prop
c. One of three people of the front row, which
includes two props on either side of a hooker.
d.They are responsible for the stability and
strength of the front row.
e. They are generally the stoutest and least aero-
bically fit on the pitch (Quarrie et al, 1996).
- Hooker
a. Position no. 2.
b. Responsible for hooking (securing the ball
with feet) during the scrum
c. Hooker is in the middle position of the front
row of the scrum and is tightly supported by the
props on either side, who support the hooker so
his or her feet are off the ground. This enables
the hooker to hook the ball backward during the
scrum.
d.Hooker is usually slightly shorter and lighter than
the props to provide a stable front row platform.
- Second row/locks
a. Position nos. 4 and 5.
b. They are responsible for providing the driving
force to the front row of the scrum.
c. Typically are the jumpers for the line out.
d. Generally the tallest players on the pitch.
e. The second and first rows make up the tight
five.
- Flanker/Wing forward
a. Position nos. 6 and 7.
b. Together with the eightman make up the loose
forwards.
c. Typically are the first players to leave a scrum.
d. Generally are the best tacklers and all-around
athletes on the team.
e. Ideal flanker has both size and speed.
- Eightman
a. Position no. 8.
b. Eightman is at the rear end of the scrum and has
his or her head between the second row players.
c. He or she is responsible for providing stability
and drive to the scrum.
d. Generally the tallest loose forward.
e. He or she needs to be able to reach around the
locks hold them securely together.
f. The eightman is responsible for controlling the
ball at the rear of the scrum until the scrumhalf
retrieves the ball.
- Scrumhalf
a. Position no. 9
b. Acts as the quarterback of the forwards.
i. Responsible for offensive and defensive
strategy of the forwards during loose play.
