Rugby 101: Rugby positions explained

[@mikekelly5869]

My old mammy, at 88 years old, will now enjoy the world cup more thanks to your video. She's an avid fan of hurling and gaelic football but doesn't understand rugby very well. Your video is saved to her tablet for reference!

[@firstname__lastname]

This was the best explanation! Im an American who doesnt watch American football but just started watching rugby. I just watched The All Blacks vs The Wallabies and my mind was blown. Great job at explaining!

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou, the more Americans we can get to fall in love with the game the more we can grow the game! So welcome!

[@diogeneslantern18]

Hope you're going to watch the rugby world cup! It starts today and I reckon this will be the best tourney yet. It's such an open race this time around.

[@Deontjie]

So the number seven is farthest from the touchline?

[@gebirg1]

@@Deontjie Yes, because there is more space on that side of the scrum so that is usually the side that the opposition will try to run the ball down and the number seven needs to be able to cover that space.

[@Deontjie]

Wait, don't the scrum moves from one side of the field to the other? Now closer to the left side, then closer to the right? Does this means this flanks switches sides? Don't make sense. @@gebirg1

[@keb82]

Oh - something else I noticed was that you included many clips of women’s teams too. Appreciate that 🙏

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou :)

[@icantthinkofahandle86155]

​@@couchrugby❤️❤️❤️

[@brendonlepage5576]

Agreed and not just women's teams but also schoolkids (probably South African) playing rugby barefoot 😂

[@maxflight777]

Agreed , it helped me .. when I showed the video to my g/f …. ❤👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@martinthevegFFC]

I am learning the game, very helpful, thanks

[@noelyoungman3353]

I’m a Western Australian and I’ve never understood Rugby. This was a brilliant explanation. Thank you.

[@sedgeleyp]

How do Eastern Australians fair at understanding Rugby?

[@willus259]

@@sedgeleyp you're more likely to find someone that understands rugby on the East coast of Australia as that tends to be where rugby is popular within Aus. The West coast will be more likely to know Aussie Rules (AFL)

[@thornevankol1504]

I have been watching rugby from a very young age being from New Zealand and know the game inside and out and referee it myself. I watched the video to see how he explained each position and tbh he did a good job keeping it simple and to the point. As many avid rugby fans know there is often alot more to each position but he gave the basics of each position. There a few exceptions to these positions and you will often find some on the best teams in the world like South Africa and New Zealand have players who play 2-3 different postions

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou. I do wonder how people with a lot of Rugby knowledge interpret my videos. So your tick of approval is appreciated.

[@warmlavender5525]

Just started playing rugby and going to practices. I’ve wanted to play since college since I ran across Portia Woodman playing but circumstances prevented it then. Everyone is like “You don’t have to come with any knowledge!” but I just really want to get the basics. I’ve just been consuming insane amounts of rugby content and your explanation is much appreciated!

[@EllaGP22]

I’m Irish and World Cup mania is all around me right now, never really watched rugby so this video was a massive help in understanding the basics!

[@GraveyardKing]

Good luck in the game today. From South Africa 🇿🇦. May the best team win. 2 really good teams.

[@lekimann01]

looking good - I can see why they are so highly regarded. Our Wallabies not so good!!😧

[@jmanuelrm7804]

Man :( Ireland just lost

[@dustersin]

​@@jmanuelrm7804Lol we just won the WC

[@jmanuelrm7804]

@@dustersin we who?

[@titleloanman]

As a lifetime fan of American football that has always been curious about rugby, this was an awesome and enlightening video. Thanks for doing it!

[@peepo2560]

I'm American and I find rugby way more entertaining than our football :)

[@MattthegreatOneofOne]

Rugby is in my opinion a much more interesting and intense game than American football. Especially if we look at the state of the NFL and all 9f the "entertainment" and politics they have crammed into it now days. Football is a great game, but it is a disappointment and a shame to see how it is produced and delivered to the people now days - and I am increasingly convinced that it is completely rigged. I also find it ridiculous that an average NFL player takes home millions per year, sometimes hundreds of millions, while a neuro surgeon of the highest order makes between 5 and 800k per year. I realize it's not a leveled comparison, and that many of the monies awarded to the football players is a reflection of the people's admiration and willingness to buy tickets and subscriptions, but it is just astronomical the difference, and disgusting in my opinion. Think of what a brain surgeon does - we can't even fathom all the nuance. Compared to that, football is a silly joke. If they'd get back to just playing the game, would be a good start..... Rugby is just a bad ass hard-core sport that is ONLY about the game. 2 of my sons play, here in Oklahoma. We won state last 3 yrs, last year it was just by a hair. The game had a rain delay, so the field was totally soaked and each hit was also a splash, the rival team was tough and going hard, but we pulled it away. We also went to Ireland a couple years ago and played a few games there too. Good times

[@amaarahgarda4116]

This is really helpful and well produced and my favourite part is that you used women’s rugby as examples in your videos!!! Thank you sir! 💯

[@snakesonthismondaytofriday1750]

I'm an American whose got into rugby last year. Instantly subscribed. Great basic explanation i can send my friends

[@SteveZee-r8i]

I am a newcomer to Rugby and thank you for this excellent intro to Rugby positions. I plan to take your advice from early in your video. I’m not going to memorize everything. Just try to remember the main points as I continue to watch Rugby (I am paraphrasing you, of course). Thanks again!!!

[@rebeccabarham-ys7dn]

This is the most informative rugby video I've ever watched!

[@couchrugby]

Thanks Rebecca. Happy you found it informative.

[@BatTaz19]

@@couchrugby Rebecca said what I was going to. Comprehensive, clear & easily digested.

[@gatlygat]

Agree also

[@DandbDandb]

Coming from a football madness country (vamos Pumas), I fell in love with Rugby Union with out knowing the rules. Knowing the rules, strategies and techniques made this amazing sport by far THE MOST COMPLETE SPORT EVER, in every aspect. Its the ultimate battle/war perfection that ends with huge respect and sharing a beer after a deserve shower. Great vid, you have a subs

[@kvlang]

So easy to understand, lots of information, and well edited (the visual aid and examples are so useful. I also love that you use female rugby examples). Thanks mate.

[@couchrugby]

Thanks for that positive feedback. I am trying to make everyone feel welcome and part of that is showing that everyone can play.

[@marksparked]

My son just started playing rugby. This has been such a help. Thank you so much.

[@couchrugby]

Thanks Mark. Hope your son finds the enjoyment I found in the game :)

[@salvadorarturovelazquezcro8759]

I'm from Mexico and finding this channel it's like pure gold! Thanks!

[@couchrugby]

You are welcome, thankyou :)

[@Napoleon69420]

Ive never played rugby before and ive got my first training tomorrow💀💀, literally knew nothing 20 mins ago but now i have a bit of an understanding and something to work off, thanks

[@MustafaAshah-el9nc]

How did it go

[@Napoleon69420]

yeah bloody good actually im loving it, i play openside flanker now and can play prop, lock and blindside aswell.

[@aaronachnid]

I'm a kiwi and grown up with rugby so the video didn't have much new for me. But damn, I couldn't recommend it enough for someone who didn't. Explained so much better than I ever could to someone new to the game. Just wish there were a few more big hits in the highlight reels.

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou :) Appreciate the tick of approval

[@steverhodes4121]

Can’t recommend this video highly enough for someone who is new to rugby. Explained at a very high level but giving a thorough breakdown of all the positions & overall strategy. Well done mate 🏉🍻

[@RobotSantaClaus]

I grew up playing and watching rugby and learned a lot still! Now, off to the rest of his videos explaining the positions in depth and whatever the forwards were up to while I waited for a pass lmao

[@Nicolas-o5i]

Thank you so much for the explanation. I'm an American who has recently moved and discovered a Rugby club within 10 minutes of my home. I plan on joining in and watching or maybe even playing in the near future, so getting an overview of the game is fantastic.

[@Hardimanify]

I watched couch rugby on my new couch

[@couchrugby]

Thanks for watching Ben. Although I would recommend you watch Coutch Rugby on a screen and sit on your new couch 😝

[@Nikolesh_nocash]

@@couchrugbyw joke

[@hararekid]

I watched it laid on my bed 😅

[@hararekid]

​@@couchrugbyI am in stiches 😂

[@daftlad526]

FLEX

[@richleonard55]

Excellent!! I've been watching rugby for 50 odd years without understanding much about the game. It's still exciting even so, but it will be much better with a bit more knowledge. You explain very clearly.

[@rdatta]

I'm a newcomer to Rugby and this is an *excellent* introduction to the game. In particular, the explanation of the roles from 6-10 and some of the characteristics and nuances of skills was really helpful. Well done. One suggestion would be to also share some names of players, current or past who are good representatives of these positions. Finding videos of Wings and Fullbacks is easy. Forwards are harder. One challenge for a new follower is learning which forwards are influencing play the most. Following good players would help. I'll be using your descriptions to breakdown World Cup teams so this was really well done. Thank you.

[@apitart]

gotchu! for a flanker, watch Siya Kolisi, the Springboks captain for a number 8, Ardie Savea, from the All Blacks at 9, french captain Antoine Dupont, NZ's Aaron Smith, SA's Faf de Klerk are all great examples of different styles same goes for #10, you can pick magic Finn Russell, flashy Damian McKenzie or Quade Cooper or incredibly solid and structured George Ford or Dan Biggar if you need ideas for other positions just reply and i'll do my best to help!

[@Harpooooon]

I grew up with American Football and that's what I played. Fast forward, I'm in my 40s now and just started watching Rugby. I love to watch the sport and I'm picking up the very basics, but there's so much I don't understand. The laws are especially challenging. Videos like this really help! I really appreciate you taking the time to make and post these videos. It would have been nice to find this sport in my 20s so I could have played it a few times.

[@caleb977]

As an American who thought I would never learn how rugby works this is very helpful. Great video!

[@superflypheelign]

These videos are great for refreshing my memory as a prepare, as an American, to attend my fourth international test match.

[@pschweiz]

fantastic explanation. I have been watching rugby for 20 years now, but noone was able to explain me the positions that well.

[@barnigranero5882]

What a great video. Perfect explanation of all of the positions. This is what I will use to show any friends who want to understand the game.

[@m8tinajero]

I started watching rugby and was always so lost but you helped me understand the game a lot more. Thank you from Las Vegas 💪

[@pastorrich7436]

You're an answer to my prayers. Now I can not only enjoy watching rugby, I can understand rugby! Now, if I could only play...

[@Stewart682]

Well done! I've watched rugby all my life and played for a dozen years (#3) and I never knew the specifics of the flankers or the centres before!! Usually, by the time I got off the ground, the ball was on the opposite side of the field!! 😁

[@ryantuiasoa1888]

My man thank you for this! I was an American Football player all my life and just joined a Rugby club without knowing much - its all pretty confusing. Your explanations with the videos & graphics are really helpful to learn from🙏

[@joshg4424]

Your videos are a godsend. I randomly turned on the world cup after watching college football (American) a couple weeks ago and I can't get enough of it. Your videos have been tremendously helpful in figuring out the nuances of the game. I drink less beer watching it too because their aren't comercials everytime there is a punt, touchdown, field goal, injury or timeout as well 😂😂

[@couchrugby]

haha don't worry, Rygby still has reset scrums to provide ample drinking time. Welcome aboard!

[@Natedawg38]

Really well done man. Excellent work. As a new rugby fan this was great. Cannot wait til September! Cmon Ireland 🇮🇪 👏

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou so much. The more people we can attract to this great game the better so I am happy to play a small part in your journey. You also have a lot of reason to be hyped about Ireland chanses. They are playing outstanding rugby atm. As a Saffer I am very worried about our upcoming pool game and the fact that you guys are on our side of the draw.

[@ThunderDawg89]

How are ya liking it now? 😊

[@dustersin]

Bots😂😂😂

[@jamesgogarty670]

We love you Johnny Sexton 👑❤️

[@SerpentineUsurper]

An Australian who loves watching rugby but never understood its intricacies until now. Thank you Couch Rugby

[@nitishnair1234567890]

Great explanation! I am from India, have developed a love for rugby and been learning mostly from watching the games and listening to the commentary...also with the help of some South African friends who in the past took me to a few rugby games...but this is by far the best explanation of positions I have come across...thank you!

[@couchrugby]

Amazing! I know rugby is not really on the radar in India so it is great to hear of people finding the game there! welcome!

[@DanielPazFernandez]

❤❤ Thanks for the video. I'm from Bolivia and Rugby isn't popular at all here, so this was very useful for World Cup Saludos campeón

[@couchrugby]

Happy it is helping you follow the great game. Thankyou :)

[@Jonkronn]

Great explanations all round. I was just keen to reminise on my experience playing as an openside flanker for 19 years (school and club, never professional!) . Every coach I had always drilled into my head that my role as an openside was essentially waging a one man war against the opposing fly-half (they were called 1st five-eigth in NZ, I'm not sure if that's the same anywhere else?). During scrums, lineoust, rucks etc. it was my job to run at that number 10 as hard as possible when the ball was inevitably heading his way. Obviously as an openside, you will most frequently be the one position who has the most access to their 10. Shortest distance, ability to disengage easily, being naturally fast and a capable tackler, and remaining on-side felt like such a unique loose forward privilege to me. I had so much fun seeing the panic in their number 10 as that short distance closed, particularly if their halfback fed them a slower than usual pass. Doing that succesfully pretty much minimised their opportunity for skillfull playmaking or being unpredictable, leaving them with the choice to just quick pass to their 12 or eat the tackle. Most seemed to think that any sort of kick wouldn't be worth the risk of a charge down or getting themselves hurt. Granted this was never professional rugby, but it aways seemed so pertinent to me during the years I played (10- 29 years old). What an intensely fun position that was, it felt like i had so much freedom of where to be. In the midst of a ruck, protecting a tackled halfback, just behind the breakdown for a little 'pick and go' run, in that weird space between a halfy and flyhalf (but far enough back to not intrude on their sequence), in the midfield, sometimes even somewhere on the wing. It felt very much like the forwards equivalent of a fullback. Basically just adapting to the game how you saw fit, while still having some core responsibilities. Anway, I've talked to dam much already. I just really miss playing rugby! Hope everyone else who played had the same love of their position as I did.

[@boflynn997]

Not me watching this on my way to my first rugby game

[@kelbydayton7495]

Good on you mate keep at it 💪

[@King234-r4h]

How was it?

[@keb82]

Thank you. I just started rugby training and felt really behind because positions are something that confuse me but i’ll keep watching this 👏

[@couchrugby]

Welcome! hope the video is helping you:)

[@edgerat]

Legend!!! We have been watching the RWC and cannot make sense of a lot of it! Nigel Owens' videos is what made me interested in the game.

[@wannerknappe0483]

I started watching at the World Cup. I am from Germany its very small here I hardly now anybody who watches Rugby so your videos help a lot!

[@couchrugby]

It is exactly for people in your situation that I started this channel. Welcome aboard :)

[@bek56_]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of such a confusing game, this is great!

[@couchrugby]

Not a problem at all Rebekah. Hope this helps you enjoy the great game more!

[@BraddersMusic]

Like many here, I have watched rugby for many years, having never played cause my Mum put her foot down at an early age due to other members of the family getting injury’s, it’s a tough hard game to play. As a result I did not understand the roles that each player has in their game. So thanks very much. This has been very educational.

[@Steve-yf9my]

Thanks!

[@couchrugby]

Thanks again, much appreciated Steve :)

[@Justsaiyan11]

I've decided to start watching rugby because my girlfriend is bringing me to a Scotland game. This video was a great help very well explained thanks a ton 👍

[@couchrugby]

Glad it helped, hope you enjoy the game!

[@silversolver7809]

I played long ago for a couple of decades, some of it at a fairly high level. This is a well-done video which I'm bookmarking to send to anyone who asks me "What the ruck is going on?" :)

[@williebloubul1]

I have been "watching " rugby never seen such an exelent explanation .

[@couchrugby]

Happy that the video is helping clear up some things for you

[@interestedbystander196]

Wonderful explanation, friend. I have been watching and playing rugby for a looonnng time, and I couldn't have explained it better myself. I like your style and delivery, very clear contextual explanations, and the fact the you don't talk down to the audience. Great ambassador for our wonderful game. You have a new subscriber.

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou :) I am worried about sounding condescending sometimes, so it is good to see it does not come a cross that way.

[@interestedbystander196]

@@couchrugby Absolutely not, brother. That's why I thought I'd mention it. It's a great delivery, patient, getting the info across in a clear and unconfusing way. Me likey. 👍🏉

[@invisible1054]

This World Cup is bringing a lot of new fans to rugby and I’m one of those and this video was Very helpful, thank you

[@couchrugby]

Glad it helped :)

[@TroutPersuitFishing]

This was so helpful it made my knowledge of rugby expand so much more

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou, happy to was informative and helpful :)

[@tommyromanowski]

Great video! As an American watching, I just wanted to mention that in American football, one team can hold the ball all game long as well through onside kicks after scoring. It’s incredibly unlikely but still possible :)

[@jerrysmallwood8099]

This is an excellent video. i played for 10 + years here in the states. I'm always looking for videos to share with friends to help explain the game. well done , cheers.

[@Jazzgriot]

This was great. Already I'm understanding what I've been watching a lot more comprehensively. I'm used more to rugby league, as I'm from the North of England, but my grandson who is only 12 lives down South, and plays for a Rugby Union youth team. It's useful to be able to understand the difference between both games for me. ;-)

[@lukesuds5002]

Played rugby from ages 16-24 in 🇺🇸still learned a few things🙉 great vid coach👍🏻 back 3️⃣ 4️⃣ life😁

[@blindmanwakeboarding2625]

Great video, I've been watching rugby for years and I've never understood the positions!! Now it all makes sense

[@adrianred236]

Snap

[@couchrugby]

Glad it helped!

[@Richard-fx6go]

I've been watching/supporting International Rugby (England) since the 1990's, though i've never played as it wasn't a sport offered at my school. This was a great intro video with very informative and well presented information. Though it was basic, i learnt a lot. Thank you.

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou. Happy you found it informative :)

[@bobwaller5929]

Thankyou for this and your other videos. UK football fan trying to watch World Cup. This really helps.

[@couchrugby]

Not a problem at all. The game is much more enjoyable when you understand what is going on😁

[@hainish2381]

Great video. I've seen Rugby always as an outsider, not frequently, still enjoying it. This will certainly make me appreciated it even more!

[@findsais]

Very good walk through of the Rugby basics.....Awesome and thank you so much

[@couchrugby]

My pleasure!

[@georginad7394]

Been watching the sport on and off for over a decade now and just picked up the rules via osmosis listening to tv commentators and referee mics, somehow in all that time I never noticed how 6 & 7 switch sides in the scrum depending on field position. At least I can say I was accurate in figuring out the jobs for each of the backs. Also big thumbs up for including footage of the womens' game in your examples.

[@jealousbeanbag5636]

your football analogies are so good! As someone who has played football my whole life and planning on joining a college rugby team i found your videos to be very helpful!

[@madodaohmagudo4194]

Thank you so much,this is the best explanation I've found 🙏

[@couchrugby]

Happy to hear it was helpful :)

[@Zac1r3d-MTB]

thanks bro! this is my first week of playing rugby for my school, i picked out halve as i’ve seen many of my friends play in that position, really helpful! thanks😄

[@NikkiDoesStufff]

I fell down a rugby rabbit hole last weekend and decided to watch a game since the WC happens to be on. I watched my first ever rugby game (SA Vs Ireland) and it was cool but as an American who knows nothing of rugby, I was so lost…so I’ve been watching other videos to help figure out what’s going on. This one was super helpful in explaining what all the positions are! 👏 great video! Ps you probably already know this but you are stupidly good looking and you have a beautiful head of hair 👌

[@velyan12]

Clear, concise and accurate. I can't believe you have so few views and subscribers so I will add to both

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou. Much appreciated :)

[@alfedtron9043]

thank you I have been looking for this for years

[@snakeplisskin8696]

During my rugby career, I was a number 7 Forward. While I played both Loosehead Prop and Hooker during that time, my primary position was Flanker. As an experienced rugger, I appreciate this post due to its' excellent and easily understood explanation of all positions. Well done.

[@dennisheath3747]

Great video and I wish I'd had the opportunity to play rugby union when I was younger. I enjoy watching a good game, especially the current World Cup. Your explanations have added to the enjoyment. Thanks!

[@kelvinmwenda6552]

The best video tutorial ever

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou Kelvin. Hope you found it helpful

[@TripleCrown59]

Awesome, Thanks for this. With the upcoming WC, it would be cool to give us your "Best at each position". Whether it's a vid or a list - some of us that are new to the sport or coming back after a hiatus could watch for these players during the tournament. Anyway - thanks for this. I'm going to check out the rest of the vids ASAP.

[@couchrugby]

Thanks for the recommendation, Yes I think that is a good idea for a quick short sharp video.

[@airmanfirstclass3535]

Very big thank you for all the effort putting this video together. I was always a tight 5 player, in school as well as in club rugby. Still a joy to go through your video and hear your insights. Time to catch another big world cup game, armed with your knowledge

[@RyseZen]

Thank you for this video, I'm a huge fan of the Australian Rugby League and have been meaning to get into watching and learn Union cause I've always been fascinated by it but have never had anyone to teach me the rules/positions, I have looked at a lot of videos for explanation but alot of them have been very lacking or not going into as much detail needed so again thank you for this it really helped!!

[@couchrugby]

Hi RyseZen. Very happy you found it helpful. There is more coming :)

[@juett]

Thanks for this. My son is getting into rugby and this was a great video on learning the sport

[@deltoid4]

Thank you for this video. My son is 11 this year and has just moved positions from number 5 to number 6 "blindside flanker" a position I'd never heard of. Having won player of the season last year and supporters choice the year before, looking forward to seeing what this new position brings him.

[@couchrugby]

You are welcome! I hope this cleared up for you what the positional change would be like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2rIZYaXqbaMrtk feel free to watch this video where I dig a bit deeper into the Blindside flanker :)

[@CubeInspector]

This is incredibly helpful. My Lieutenant had us play rugby against the aussie soldiers when we were deployed to Iraq and didnt really explain thos part to us rather just had us play a certain role and i didnt understand LOL. LT was on the rugby team at west point

[@OliveBreizh]

Great video thanks! Loved that Faf moment when you talk about small players and big personalities. Go Bokke

[@couchrugby]

Haha well he is the prototype is he not

[@scottzimmerman5153]

Great content! Newish US fan (go Raptors) and this is super helpful to understand the game and team roles better. Thank you!

[@Gabriel-vl2ft]

Awesome Video, glad I watched it. If may add, the no.13 should be an agile power-house on top of their ability to read the game. One of their main jobs is to break the defensive line. no.12 should be a mix of both the no.10 & 13. The skill set to take over from the 10 if should they go into a ruck, and the power of no.13 where they can utilize their skill and power to break through the defensive line. Not to mention the no.12 can fit on either side of a scrum/set play making them (and their team) very dangerous if they have that power and skill set.

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Brilliant!!!! Thank you for this. I love watching Rugby but don’t fully understand it. I am more familiar with English rugby league. Union is a bit of mystery; this has really helped me out. Great stuff

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou:) happy it helped

[@tomasjesus5999]

Thank you for the amazing video man!! Greetings from Portugal :)

[@neilforbes819]

Fantastic video. Been watching rugby for many years with a very basic understanding - this really helped my understanding.

[@mjm1987]

First of all, very nice video! Best of luck growing your channel! Just recently started watching rugby (mainly six nations and premier league/top14 due to timezone I'm in) so I find this very informative. Still a bit overwhelmed by the amount of rules there are. Once you grasp the basics like passing, offsides etc it still feels there's so much to understand about what is and is not allowed. I hope I'll get a better hang of it while I watch more games :) As far as I understood, the flankers change positions in the scrum based off the field position, so that the blindside is always closer to the touch. Do they also switch positions in open play, f.ex. if the ball is kicked to the other side of the field, or it's not that important? Also, once you're done covering the respective positions, could you perhaps do a video on basic rules of rucks and mauls? I think those are the parts that confuse me the most so far.. like what's the offence/defence allowed to do, when can you make a tackle etc.

[@couchrugby]

Hi. I am really happy you found the video helpful. I am happy to see new ruggers are being helped. And thankyou for asking questions, I really want to encourage that on this channel. Agree rugby is a complex but very rewarding sport. I am lucky to be from a rugby culture so I had my whole life to slowly learn the game. In saying that if you stick to it you will learn very quickly. I also advice you join the Rugbyunion subreddit. Its a pretty healthy community where they are always discussing all sorts of technical aspects of the game. Yes generally speaking the 6 and 7 would swap sides depending on where on the field the scrum is taking place. You are understanding that part correctly. Interesting point, South Africa actually have the numbers swapped around with 6 being openside and the 7 being the blindside so watch out when you watch teams from there. Also some teams don't buy into the open and blindside methodology and would play their flankers left and right irrespective of where the scrum is on the field. But those are exceptions. During open play though generally the 7 will be focused on looking for turnovers while most 6s will be looking to do big ball carries and making a lot of tackles. there is not really a "side" for them to stick to during open play, this only applies to scrums. I definitely plan on doing videos that dig into the complex rules of rugby, I am giving my editing skills a chance to improve over these position videos before I take on the more complex stuff. Goodluck on your rugger journey.

[@johnnybegood9742]

Good job this, love the depth of rugby knowledge and reference to leadership etc.

[@couchrugby]

Thankyou :)

[@RogerEbsary]

Great stuff. Can’t wait for the World Cup to put my new found knowledge to the test. Thanks long haired guy.

[@rapmachine4738]

great explanation, thanks a lot!

[@couchrugby]

You are welcome!

[@jazzper_nl]

I found myself next to the Chile team on the Bordeaux Airpot last Sunday and next thing I know it I am watching videos like these. Overwhelming :D

[@couchrugby]

Haha well hopefully we have peaked your interest enough for to watch some of the world cup!

[@jazzper_nl]

@@couchrugby well, I was ready to test out my new knowledge this evening only to find out it was end of the afternoon 💀

[@taffbanjo]

Excellent - I am a Welshman and was brought up with Rugby Union. This was as clear an explanation of the players' jobs as I've seen in recent years. As a flanker, I tended to stay packed down on the left as I'm left-handed. My partner was usually happy to stay on the right.

[@casinodelonge]

Really good explanation, I've played a little at school and watched a little, but this refreshed my memory nicely. Thank you.

[@thearcticlord3920]

I played rugby for almost thirty years and thought it was a fascinating game. This commentator proved otherwise.

[@couchrugby]

In my experience people that play rugby for 30 years don't think it's a fascinating game. They know it is ;)

[@thearcticlord3920]

@@couchrugby You are right, I played rugby for 30 years because it is a fascinating game. Your attempts to kill it are pretty impotent. People will carry on playing despite your turgid drivel.

[@couchrugby]

My little channel is already doing more for the game than 30 years of me playing ever could.

[@thearcticlord3920]

@@couchrugby Surely you could not possibly be that bad a player.

[@LiceoVillaFontana1]

Fantastic explanation. Wish I had known ages ago. Been watching rugby for a long time!

[@luzr6613]

I loved playing rugby - the intense physicality of it - but managing the injuries sustained playing rugby, over the twenty five years since i stopped, has been less fun. People need to know this too - they need to understand that contact sports conducted at high velocities can dramatically shape the rest of their existence. Great video, though - well thought out and delivered.

[@georgeh1352]

Quite agree, I'm suffer from a knee injury 50yrs on where I was a winger that got barged into touch, twisting my body in doing so but the leg stayed firmly straight, ouch.

[@amotaba]

Thanks man. I'm from Brasil, never played rugby but i think it very interesting. Your videos help me understand more the games of the World Cup

[@sbusisontini2724]

My favourite KZbin channel 😊

[@couchrugby]

Oh stop it :)

[@alan83p]

Great lesson, man! Throughout the years i've been gettin more passionate on rugby, since Los Pumas '99 WRCup. Very useful video, my friend. Suscribed yet. Send you a Great hug from a small town in northwestern Argentina!

[@timneji]

Never understood the fight between rugby and football, I simply love both, as both have great things and are good fun

[@davidspencer6384]

Nicely done. Clear and easy to understand.

[@Cormacc]

Thank you for this video. I have been watching rugby since April 2023 and wondering about positions and what exactly they mean. I will watch more of your videos soon.😊

[@its...ryxn87]

Definitely need a scrum half video❤

[@couchrugby]

Don't you worry! I am working through that video as we speak!

[@lehigarcia3464]

Graduated HS in 2012 in SLC, shoutout to West High! Poly kids used to run the yard in springtime. Intimidating & inspiring every student that stepped through campus. Im talking all speed, full contact rugby on 90:10 grass/concrete ratio. Street shit here. They were the ones u wanted on your side through ANY altercation that's all ill say!