Flanker (rugby Union)

Flanker (rugby Union)

A flanker is a position in the sport of rugby union. Flankers play in the forwards, and are generally classified as either blindside, or openside flankers; numbers six and seven respectively. The name comes from their position in a scrum in which they flank each set of forwards. The set responsibilities of flankers are fewer than all other forwards in a rugby team, but generally consist of retaining and gaining possession in the various phases of play in a match—most commonly in rucks and mauls. Flankers also assist in pushing in a scrum, but are expected to detach from the scrum as early as possible in order to get to play before the opposition's forwards. Flankers also participate in line-outs, either being lifted to contest or win possession, or to lift other players. Rugby flankers are expected to make most of the tackles. When a team wins the scrum the flanker is expected to support their players by running behind and rucking over for their team to keep possession.

Like other forward positions, flankers put more emphasis on strength than on speed.