Types of Techniques for Rugby Props

Rugby Union games are played between 30 players; 15 on each team. Two players on both teams are known as props. There is the loosehead and tighthead prop, though the differences are mainly shown in scrums. A scrum is contest for the ball between eight players from both teams; these are a way to restart the game after the rules have been breached. There are many techniques that a prop must aim to master.

  1. Scrum

    • Eight players from each team lock together in two packs and attempt to force each other backward and win the ball in the center. The props are hugely important in the scrum as they take most of the opposing team's weight and power. This is also where the two props' roles differ. The loosehead prop stands on the left side of the pack and is not locked in. This player must protect the hooker so he can win the ball. The tighthead prop is the leader of the pack and must pressure the opposing team's hooker. If the ball is won, the props should attempt to keep the scrum stable. If it is lost, they should collapse the scrum so the opposition can't get the ball out.

    Line-Out

    • Props play an important role in a line-out, which is when the ball is thrown back into play after it goes off the field. The prop's main job here is to lift a lock high when the ball is thrown, so timing is important. The lock is another position in rugby union; just like the props, there are two in the team. This pairing works because of the prop's strength and the fact that locks are generally the tallest players on the pitch.

    Maul

    • Mauling is a technique used by props in line-outs, but it is also effective in general play. Props can take the ball themselves in line-outs and maul the ball forward to make valuable ground for their team. They also use the maul in general play to force their way through the opposition and tire them out at the same time. A maul occurs when the ball carrier is held by at least one opponent and supported by at least one teammate. The purpose of maul is to advance up the field.

    Tackle

    • In general play, the props focus on preventing the opposition from breaking through. A tackle with good technique is a vital skill to have. The ball carrier should be approached from a low position and then the prop should rise up, with his head up and shoulder and neck tensed. The elbows should be high when contact is made. It's import to come into a tackle from a low position but the buttocks should always be below the shoulders and the spine should be straight.