Rugby uniforms are basically designed for durability. The jersey is made out of a very heavy woven
cotton. The numbers the players wear are determined by their position on
the field, not personal preference. The shorts are also very tough and can withstand a great deal of
pulling and stretching. Many people wear spandex, or "sliders", under their shorts. We wear tall socks
to prevent as many scrapes on our shins as possible and cleats are a must for
being able to perform strong, hard cuts. Also they are nice to prevent sliding around when it is raining.
Another very important piece of rugby gear is your mouthgard to protect your teeth.
The field used is grass. The measurements of the field are as shown below. The length of the field cannot exceed 100 metres (110 yards) and the width cannot exceed 70 metres (75 yards). Each try zone or in goal cannot exceed 22 metres (25 yards) in length. Goal posts similar to those used in American football and shaped in the form of an "H" stand on the goal line at opposite ends of the field, at the beginning of each try zone. The lines usually drawn inside the field are 22 metres (25 yards) off goal, 10 metres (10 yards) off halfway and the halfway line itself. Also a 5 metre (5 yard) alley is drawn along the lengths of the field measured off the touchlines (out of bounds).
The women chosen for these positions are strong, usually of a larger stature than the backs, and fearless. It is their responsibility to be everywhere the ball is on the field and either gain or maintain posession of the ball by tackling, rucking, or mauling. Once the ball is won, is it then their responsibility to take it forward or present it very nicely to the backs to do something with. Their work is never done and they are also referred to as the pack or the scrum.
A scrum is where the forwards bind together in specific positions when a scrumdown is called. It is the basic set formation of rugby and occurs after various minor infringements of the law, when the ball becomes tied up, and other times you'll learn about later. It is a face-off of sorts where form and timing are more important than brute strength.
1: Loose Head Prop
2: Hooker
3: Tight Head Prop
4,5: Second Rows (Locks)
6,7: Wing Forwards (Flankers)
8: Number Eight
9: Scrumhalf is the link between the forwards and the backs.
The women chosen to be backs are those which have good hands and speedy feet. Although required to ruck and maul when necessary, tackle and do whatever is needed to advance the ball, the backs spend most of their time running plays to move the ball and defending against their opposing back line. After the forwards have won them the ball, they are expected to run, pass, kick, and score.
9: Scrumhalf
10: Flyhalf
12: Inside Center
13: Outside Center
11: Wing
14: Wing
15: Fullback