Rugby is a sport that celebrates diversity in physique and each position on the field requires a unique combination of skills, strength and body type. Tall players in particular have certain advantages that can be maximized in certain rugby situations. This article from Rugbysee explores the best rugby positions for tall players and shows how to best use their physical attributes to gain a competitive advantage.
The Value of Height in Rugby
Height can be a significant advantage in rugby, impacting various aspects of gameplay including lineouts, scrums, and ball carrying. Tall players often find themselves in roles where their height can contribute directly to their team’s strategic execution and overall success.
1. Locks: The Giants in the Scrum
The lock position, also known as the second row, is perhaps the most natural fit for tall players in rugby. Locks are central figures in the scrum, providing the essential push needed during these engagements. Their height is a crucial advantage in lineouts, where they are often the primary targets due to their ability to reach higher than their opponents.
Characteristics and Skills Required:
- Strength and Power: Essential for scrummaging and physical confrontations.
- Jumping Ability: Crucial for lineouts, where locks need to out-jump the opposition to win the ball.
- Endurance: Despite their size, locks must have the stamina to perform at high levels throughout the match.
2. Number 8: The Backbone of the Scrum
The Number 8 position, while versatile in terms of player size, can be particularly effective for tall players who possess not just height but also the mobility and skills to handle the ball. The Number 8 acts as a link between the forwards and backs during offensive plays and is often the key player picking the ball from the base of the scrum and if you want to know about popularity of rugby read Why do people watch rugby.
Characteristics and Skills Required:
- Ball Handling Skills: Number 8s must be adept at controlling the ball at the base of the scrum and during open play.
- Tactical Awareness: Understanding when to commit to a scrum and when to prepare for a breakout is vital.
- Physicality and Agility: Despite their size, Number 8s need to be agile to maneuver through tight spaces.
3. Flankers: Leveraging Height in Loose Play
Flankers, particularly the blindside flanker, can benefit from being tall, as it helps in both scrummaging and lineout jumping. While traditionally not as tall as locks, taller flankers can disrupt opposition lineouts and provide additional options for their own team.
Characteristics and Skills Required:
- Versatility: Flankers must be able to engage physically in scrums and be mobile enough to cover large areas of the field.
- Defensive Skills: Tackling and the ability to contest for the ball are crucial.
- Speed and Endurance: To keep up with the pace of the game and be effective throughout.
4. Wingers: An Unconventional Choice for Tall Players
While not the most obvious choice, taller players can also excel as wingers, particularly if they combine height with speed and excellent ball-handling skills. Tall wingers have an advantage in aerial contests and can use their long strides to cover ground quickly.
Characteristics and Skills Required:
- Speed and Agility: Essential for breaking through or circumventing defensive lines.
- Aerial Ability: Useful for collecting high balls and in defensive scenarios.
- Tactical Play: Understanding positioning and when to challenge for the ball.
Training and Development for Tall Players
Tall players aiming to maximize their potential in these positions should focus on specific training regimens that enhance their natural advantages while addressing any limitations. Strength training, agility drills, and skills development are crucial components of a rugby training program tailored for tall players.
Maximizing the Potential of Tall Players in Rugby
Continuing from the discussion on the best positions for tall players in rugby, it’s important to delve deeper into how these players can maximize their physical attributes to excel in their roles. Height can be a formidable advantage, but it must be paired with skill development and strategic training to truly make an impact on the field.
5. Second Row Forward
In addition to the lock position in the second row, tall players can also make significant contributions as second row forwards. This role is crucial for securing ball possession during lineouts and providing support in rucks and mauls.
Characteristics and Skills Required:
- Body Positioning: Effective use of height to secure optimal positions in mauls and rucks.
- Core Strength: Vital for maintaining stability and strength in scrums and during physical confrontations.
- Team Coordination: Working seamlessly with fellow forwards to execute set pieces and defensive strategies.
Strategic Use of Height in Gameplay
Tall players can use their height to their team’s strategic advantage in several key areas of gameplay:
- Dominating Lineouts: Height can be leveraged to dominate lineouts, one of the most critical sources of possession in rugby. Tall players, particularly those playing as locks or second row forwards, can be instrumental in winning lineout throws, both on offensive and defensive plays.
- Intimidating Presence in Scrums: The height of players in scrum positions, like the lock and Number 8, adds an intimidating physical presence that can psychologically impact the opposing team, potentially leading to errors or penalties in their favor.
- Aerial Battles: In open play, tall players can also be effective in aerial battles for high balls, an area traditionally dominated by backs. This ability makes them versatile players who can contribute both in forward play and in backline defense or offense.
Conditioning and Skill Enhancement
To fully capitalize on their height, tall players should focus on a conditioning regimen that enhances their natural strengths while also developing areas that might be more challenging due to their stature:
- Flexibility Training: Increased flexibility can help tall players maintain agility and prevent injuries, which are more common due to longer limb lengths.
- Explosive Power Development: This is crucial for activities like jumping in lineouts or explosive sprints in open play. Plyometric exercises can be particularly beneficial.
- Skill-Specific Drills: Practicing skills such as lineout throws and catches, scrum techniques, and tactical kicking can help tall players become more rounded athletes.
Tactical Understanding and Mental Preparation
Beyond physical training, understanding the tactical aspects of the game and preparing mentally are vital for tall players:
- Game Understanding: Tall players should study game films and strategies to understand better where they can be most effective on the field depending on the style of play and the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Mental Toughness: Rugby is a physically demanding sport, and being mentally prepared to face the challenges and pressures of the game is as important as physical readiness.
Conclusion: Embracing Diversity in Rugby
Rugby is a sport where players of all shapes and sizes can find a role that suits their abilities and physical attributes. For tall players, understanding the best positions that can benefit from their height is just the starting point. Through dedicated training, skill development, and tactical knowledge, tall players can not only maximize their contributions on the field but also inspire their teams towards greater success. Rugby’s inclusive nature makes it uniquely suited to harnessing diverse talents, and by embracing this diversity, teams can build a robust and dynamic squad capable of competing at the highest levels and if you want to know about haka in Rugby read Which countries do the haka in rugby.
In conclusion, rugby offers various opportunities for tall players to leverage their height to their advantage. Positions such as locks, Number 8, and even flankers and wingers, provide platforms where height can be a significant strategic asset. Each position requires a blend of physicality, skills, and tactical awareness, making rugby a sport where players of all sizes, especially those who are tall, can find their niche and excel.
