Editing Rugby union (section)

===Forwards===
The main responsibilities of the forward players are to gain and retain possession of the ball. Forwards play a vital role in tackling and rucking opposing players.<ref name="talkrugby">{{cite web |url=https://www.talkrugbyunion.co.uk/guides/rugby_union_positions.html |title=Rugby Union Positions |publisher=talkrugbyunion.co.uk |access-date=13 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406195335/http://www.talkrugbyunion.co.uk/guides/rugby_union_positions.html |archive-date=6 April 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Players in these positions are generally bigger and stronger and take part in the [[Scrum (rugby)|scrum]] and line-out.<ref name="talkrugby"/> The forwards are often collectively referred to as the 'pack', especially when in the scrum formation.<ref name="Glossary">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/13710817/rugby-glossary|work=ESPN Scrum|title=Rugby Glossary|access-date=13 August 2011|archive-date=21 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221091715/http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/page/97263.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Front row====
The front row consists of three players: two [[Rugby union positions#Prop|props]] (the loosehead prop and the tighthead prop) and the [[Rugby union positions#Hooker|hooker]]. The role of the two props is to support the hooker during scrums, to provide support for the jumpers during line-outs and to provide strength and power in rucks and mauls. The third position in the front row is the hooker. The hooker is a key position in attacking and defensive play and is responsible for winning the ball in the scrum. Hookers normally throw the ball in at line-outs.<ref name="IRB BGRU 6"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rugbycoaching.net/rugby-coaching/rugby-positions-explained/|title=Rugby Positions Explained|date=27 September 2011|publisher=Rugby Coaching|access-date=30 September 2012|archive-date=3 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403230706/http://rugbycoaching.net/rugby-coaching/rugby-positions-explained/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Second row====
The second row consists of two [[Rugby union positions#Locks|locks]] or lock forwards. Locks are usually the tallest players in the team and specialise as line-out jumpers.<ref name="IRB BGRU 6"/> The main role of the lock in line-outs is to make a standing jump, often supported by the other forwards, to either collect the thrown ball or ensure the ball comes down on their side. Locks also have an important role in the scrum, binding directly behind the three front row players and providing forward drive.<ref name="IRB BGRU 6"/>
[[File:Chabal Rugby Racing vs Stade Toulousain 311009.jpg|thumb|left|[[Sébastien Chabal]] (far left) in number eight position before<br />entering the scrum|alt=Facing right a group of seven men, in blue and white hooped jerseys, bind together and crouch to form a scrum. The eighth player stands behind them observing the off-picture opposition.]]

====Back row====
The back row, not to be confused with 'Backs', is the third and final row of the forward positions, who are often referred to as the loose forwards.<ref name="Glossary"/> The three positions in the back row are the two [[Rugby union positions#Flanker|flankers]] and the [[Rugby union positions#Number eight|number 8]]. The two flanker positions, known as the blindside flanker and openside flanker, are the final row in the scrum. They are usually the most mobile forwards in the game. Their main role is to win possession through 'turn overs'.<ref name="IRB BGRU 6"/> The number 8 packs down between the two locks at the back of the scrum. The role of the number 8 in the scrum is to control the ball after it has been heeled back from the front of the pack, and the position provides a link between the forwards and backs during attacking phases.<ref name="IRB BGRU 7">{{cite web|url=https://passport.worldrugby.org/beginners_guide/downloads/Beginners_Guide_2015_EN.pdf|work=[[World Rugby]] |title=A Beginner's Guide to Rugby Union |page=7|access-date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406001547/https://passport.worldrugby.org/beginners_guide/downloads/Beginners_Guide_2015_EN.pdf|archive-date=6 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>