age and size

Question
first of all i would like to thank you for taking the time to answer my question. i was first introduced to rugby 2 weeks ago when i saw some people playing at a park here in San Francisco and they asked me to play. i had no idea what i was doing, but i had the time of my life. right now im 6'3 and weight 210. the misleading thing about my size is that i am actually fast. im 23 years old and im wondering where can i get involved in somekind of club team. when i was playing in the park, they had me playing in the back of the scrum because i was able to run to either side quickly when the ball came out. i did some research and found out that the position is called a flanker? am i the ideal size for this position? or when i find somewhere to learn is there another spot i should try to focus on? thanks again.

Answer
Sir,

You are in luck.  SF is a hotbed of American Rugby.  

Two clubs that you may be interested in:

The Olympic Club Rugby: http://www.ocrugby.com/

Golden Gate Rugby Club: http://www.sfggrfc.com/

There are several more and you may want to go to the Northern Cal RFU site: http://www.norcalrugby.com/template.php?sid=HOME

As for position, your ideal position is the one that you feel most comfortable playing and best supports your team.  You can be a monster sized player, but without some one to balance you in the scrum you would have trouble playing prop or lock.

The quick and dirty on positions:

The Pack (Forwards)

1.   Front Row - Consists of two props, #1 and #3, and the hooker, #2.  These are the pillars of the scrum.  They are strong, and generally squat in stature.  The props direct the power of the other forwards into the opposing pack and provide the support for the hooker, who attempts to hook the ball with his feet.

2.   Second Row  -The locks, #4 and #5, stabilize the scrum and are the real power behind the push when the ball comes into the scrum.  At the lineout, they are usually the tallest and best jumpers.

3.   Loose Forwards - The flankers, #6 and #7, and the eight-man, #8, are often the most mobile and active of the forward pack.  On defense, they are always after the ball and usually first to the breakdown (when an opponent goes to the ground with the ball).  Offensively, they are usually running with the backs and provide the base for second phase play from the loose ball.

The Backline (Backs)

1.   Scrumhalf -- #9 is the primary field manager of the team.  He must work with his forwards to cleanly get the ball and pass it out to his backs to press the attack.  The Scrumhalf runs the offense and must communicate with both the forwards and backs.  He is the player who puts the ball into the scrum and passes the ball to the backs.  The scrumhalf also receives the ball from the forwards in lineouts, rucks, and mauls.  In rucks and mauls, the scrumhalf directs the forwards to counter the opposition and retrieve the ball.

2.   Fly half -- #10 is usually one of the more experienced rugby players on the team.  After receiving the ball from the Scrumhalf, the Fly half directs the backline attack.  He will pass the ball, kick, or run to take advantage of the opponents' mistakes.

3.   Centers -- #12(inside) and #13(outside) are usually the hardest hitting, and best runners on a rugby team.  They must tackle like American football linebackers and run like a tailback.  They must be skilled both defensively and offensively.  In the backline, they are the likeliest to become involved in a ruck or a maul.

4.   Wings --  #11 and #14 are the speedsters of the team.  Teams like to get the ball to their wings quickly and let the speedsters have room to maneuver and run.  Defensively the wing is often the last player between an opponent and a score and the only protection from an opponent抯 run along the sideline (known in rugby as the touchline).  Weak side wing acts as full back when fullback is involved with a play (crashing in the offense, tackling in the defense).

5.   Fullback -- #15 is the rugby equivalent to the free safety.  While it may appear he does little, the fullback is one of the most difficult positions on the field.  He is the last line of defense between the opposition and end zone.  He must make a quick decision to come into a play or hang back, and he is the one who most often makes the lonely last tackle before a score.  Offensively, the fullback will join the backline attack to overwhelm the opponent's defense.

I hope this helps a little and welcome to the rugby community.

Deane Shephard
Stuttgart