The player names, positions and numbers worn on shirts are defined by the International Rugby Board (IRB).
The players have the following position names and numbers:
1 prop (loose head)
2 hooker
3 prop (tight head)
4 lock
5 lock
6 flanker
7 flanker
8 number 8
9 scrum half
10 outside half or stand-off or fly half
11 left wing
12 left centre
13 right centre
14 right wing
15 full back
The players are divided into 'forwards' and 'backs'.
The 'forward unit' consists of the:
front row: numbers 1,2 & 3
second row: numbers 4 & 5
back row: numbers 6, 7 & 8
The 'back unit' consists of the:
half backs : numbers 9 & 10
three-quater backs: numbers 11, 12, 13 & 14
full back: number 15