What do you think you are?

As part of their coaching guidance the RFUW's have produced a list of the abilities a person should ideally have to play in any given position on the field.

Its a bit technical - but particularly for U17s - it may be useful as a guide to what skills you may need to improve to play in your chosen position.

For U14s it may just be a useful indicator of where you might be able to play.

Props (1, 3):- Basic knowledge of scrummaging Ability to take and retain ball in contact Decent level of upper body strength for lifting Decent basic handling skills Good body position and ability to make impact at the breakdown Hookers (2):- Solid basic throwing technique Able to strike for the ball in the scrum (flexibility and technique) Good level of fitness Work rate and ability to tackle Good support and ability to link play Good “Go Forward” skills Second Row (4, 5):- Athleticism (lineout jumping) Good aerial ability (handling) Good size and impact at the breakdown Dynamic work rate (not just plodding!) Decent handling ability Blind Side (6) :- Physical impact and power Strong tackler Good ball retention Impact at the collision Good handling ability Good support lines and link work Good communication (defence) Open Side (7):- High levels of work rate Strong in the tackle Pressurize opposition Support to ball carrier Ball winner – especially on floor Good handling for link support Good communicator Number 8 :- Physical impact in defence and attack Good ball carrier Strong in the tackle Good ball retention Ability to stay strong in the tackle, especially if isolated Good decision maker Good communicator Ability to offload

Scrum half (9) :- Good passing skills (off two hands if possible) Excellent decision maker Strong communicator (attack and defence) Ability to run with the ball (sniping) Good kicking skills Confidence Fly half (10):- Good all round ability Excellent decision maker Good hands Good kicking skills Vision and “heads up” play Good communicator Confidence Centres (12, 13):- Strong in defence Decent hands Decent kicking skills Good ball retention Good communicators Good evasive skills Ability to offload Wingers (11, 14):- Excellent evasive skills Good pace Ability to defend 1v1 Kicking skills (able to chip and re-gather?) Willingness to work off the ball – not just stay on wing Act as extra defensive cover off blind side wing Full backs (15):- Good communicator Safe under high ball Good individual defence Decent kicking skills Good pace Ability to read a game Good support and entry lines in attack