ENGLISH RFU
Support play, tackling and ball-carrying are the No.8’s areas of expertise, making his or her duties similar to the two flankers. Together the trio forms a unit called the back row.

Binding on right at the back of the scrum, the No.8 is also the only player from the forwards who is allowed to pick the ball up from the base of the scrum.

It is a move that is often used to gain vital yards when a team is scrummaging close to the opposition try line, and for it to be truly effective the No.8 must be an explosive, dynamic runner.

Key Abilities
Strength, stamina, power, positional awareness

ZINZAN BROOKE
"The number 8's duties are similar to his loose forward team-mates - to tackle, carry and provide the backs support in breaks. But he also has the added responsibility of securing possession at the base of the scrum.

The number 8 should have a psychological advantage over the opposing scrum-half, the little guys who are like big roosters! Former South Africa scrum-half Joost van der Weisthuizen was a classic. He would come up to you at the back of a scrum and say 'I'm going to get this ball off you' - well, that's one of the nicer things he would say!

A number 8 has such an important role to release wingers, the fly-half and full-back. Personally I don't think enough teams use the base of the scrum as an attacking option in the modern game.

You don't necessarily have good footballing skills, but you have to have a good awareness of creating space. When you're looking at the ball at the base of the scrum you must have that innate sense of position, of knowing where your team-mates are."

Famous No 8's include Lawrence Dallaglio (pictured)