Leaders

On a rugby team there needs to be a number of people willing and able to lead the squad, it should not just be left up to the captain. Different parts of the game need different people to step up and take control to lead the team. Leadership can take different forms, a leader can be vocal bossing players around and make sure everyone is working to their best or a leader can “lead by example” and put in 100% to everything they do and expect the same from others. Both are proven to be effective but it is more down to the culture of the team which will work best. What type of leadership works best for one player may not work well for others so the team leaders of a team should try to get to know their teammates and understand how to inspire them.

The Captain

The obvious person to look at when leadership in a rugby team is needed is the captain. This player has the most formal responsibility of being a leader and being accountable for their team. Their roles include making decisions for the team in terms of options at kick off and penalties, and they also are the ones who directly communicate with the referee. A captain should always have a cool head so they can make clear and well thought out decisions. Also they should have a good understanding of the game and be able to understand what tactical decisions need to be made. A captain does not need to be the best player on the field or need to be the loudest, most inspirational person. Being a captain should almost be seen as a “position” on the pitch where decision making and interacting with the ref is part of their game. A player who is more vocal and passionate may be more suited to a leadership role but not being the captain. Not being the captain gives players more freedom to get emotionally into the game, potentially push the limits of the ref and focus more closely on their game and people immediately around them.

Scrumhalf

After the captain, the next players typically associated with leadership is the scrumhalf and the flyhalf. Their positions on the team require a level of decision making and controlling other players therefore leadership falls upon them. The 9 typically controls the forwards, telling them where they should go and focus their energy. Forwards usually have to go from one contact point to another and their focus is typically very localised, the 9 does not need to be so intensely focused on contact regions and can have their head up more and see the bigger picture. The 9 should be able to make decisions for the forwards which are beneficial but also achievable, the scrum half must understand the forwards’ jobs and how physically draining they are.

Flyhalf

The 10 is usually a key leader in the backs, deciding what each play looks like and where the ball goes. Also due to the flyhalf normally taking on the responsibility of kicking, they are included in the decision making for taking penalties. To be a good leader from flyhalf, they should have a good understanding of attacking and defensive strategies in the backs; when to run, when to kick and when to pass. The 10 should constantly looking at the opposition and identifying what their strengths and weaknesses are, this will allow them to adjust the play style of the backs to best compete with the opposition.

Forward Pack Leader

On the forwards side of the game, some teams like to have a designated “pack leader”. This is a player in the forwards who takes control of the more detailed parts of the forward game. While the scrumhalf may decide where the forwards are placed, the pack leader will lead the forwards in what they do in that place. At a scrum the pack leader will fire up their forwards and decide how they will approach this scrum; i.e. just dig in, get the ball out as quick as possible or try to push them back and win a penalty. Pack leaders typically lead by example, putting a lot of work into tackling, rucking and mauling. If the team captain is a back, sometimes the referee will ask for a pack leader to be identified so any technical infringements in the forwards can be communicated through the pack leader who will be more directly involved.

Lineout Leader

Additionally in the forwards, teams will have a lineout leader who will be the one making the calls and deciding the attacking and defensive strategy from the lineout. Obviously this player must have a complete knowledge of the lineout calls, where the ball is going, but more importantly they must understand when, where and why these calls should be used. This means that the lineout leader should be always assessing the opposition at lineouts, what they are good and bad at. Typically the lineout leader is a player who is right in the heart of the lineout so they get first-hand experience of what is going on.

Defensive Leader

The final leadership role in a rugby team is a defensive leader. Someone who takes responsibility for the defensive line and how it operates. This role requires a player who not only fully understands defensive systems but also understands the opponent’s attack. From this, the defensive leader can be vocal and position their team to match the opposition’s threats and maintain a solid defence. They should also be able to lead by example, making solid tackles and working hard to blitz and drift properly. Usually this role only deals with the up-front defensive line and allows the 15 and the wingers to organise the defence of the backfield.

This article discusses all the possibilities for leaders in the team. Some of these roles can easily be combined and undertaken by one player so it is not necessary to have lots of leaders however what is important is that the whole team knows who these leaders are and respects them. A leader not respected by their team is not good for the team or the player themselves.