Modern Numbering
There is nothing in the Laws of Rugby Union that determine if or how players should be individually identified by marking their clothing. However, since 1967, player numbering has been standardized by the IRB for international matches (1-15, with 1 being loosehead prop and 15 being the fullback, and the replacements numbered from 16 onwards). English Premiership sides have also adopted this standard numbering system to better aid the understanding of spectators new to the sport, thus Leicester have had to abandon their traditional letter system, though in 2011 they reinstated them by printing a small letter appropriate to the player's position underneath the club badge on the left breast.
See Rugby union positions.
In rugby sevens, although the IRB requires that players wear numbers, it does not dictate a specific scheme tied to the player's position. Accordingly, most teams use permanent squad numbering, although numbering generally starts with the forwards.
Read more about this topic: Rugby Union Numbering Schemes
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