Ever wondered what number is centre in rugby?
In rugby union, numbers 12 and 13 occupy the centre positions.
These masters of midfield serve as the cornerstones of both attack and defence.
The Inside Centre: Number 12
Wearing number 12, the inside centre is comparable to the quarterback in a rugby backline.
They frequently get the ball first after the fly-half and must make split second judgments.
Legends like Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter have demonstrated the importance of this job.
Hard-hitting defence, deft passing, and the capacity to crash through the gain line are all necessary for inside centres.
The Outside Centre: Number 13
Number 13, the outside centre, is your defensive general and attacking threat rolled into one.
They have a talent for seeing openings in the opposition’s defence and are typically a little speedier than their inside partner.
Outside centres are known for their spectacular runs that electrify the crowd at venues such as Twickenham or Eden Park.
Roles and Responsibilities: More Than Just Numbers
Rugby centres are the backline’s Swiss Army knives, and it goes beyond simply their jersey numbers.
Attacking Duties
In attack, centres are the playmakers.
They have to create possibilities and carry out plays, reading the game like a book.
A centre can execute a deft offload or a barnstorming run to keep the opposition off balance.
Defensive Duties
Defensively, centres are the midfield wall.
Their job is to make those bone-crunching tackles and stop attacks.
It’s not enough to simply halt the enemy; you also need to quickly convert defence into offense.
Skills That Make a Great Centre
To excel in the centre positions, you need a toolkit that would make a Swiss Army knife jealous:
• Razor-sharp passing skills
• Tackling abilities that would make a brick wall jealous
• Vision to spot gaps and create opportunities
• Kicking game to keep the opposition on their toes
• Physical strength to break tackles and make yards
Rugby Union vs Rugby League: A Tale of Two Centres
While we’ve focused on rugby union, it’s worth noting that rugby league has its own flavour of centre play.
In league, centres wear numbers 3 and 4, but their roles are just as crucial.
They’re often more specialised in attack, with less emphasis on kicking and playmaking compared to their union counterparts.
Whether it’s union or league, the centre positions are where the magic happens in rugby’s midfield.
Famous Rugby Centres and Their Impact on the Game
Throughout history, there were a lot of centres who made their mark in the sport:
• Brian O’Driscoll: The Irish legend revolutionised the outside centre position with his amazing vision and ability to break lines.
• Ma’a Nonu: The All Blacks behemoth was the perfect mix of strength and skillful dexterity.
• Owen Farrell: England enjoyed having his flexibility at its disposal as he could play both inside center and fly-half.
Playing centre positions in their matches at Twickenham to Eden Park have solidified their lore to their respective fanbases.
The Evolution of Centre Play
As rugby has evolved, so too has the role of the centre:
• Modern centres are often larger and more physical than their predecessors.
• There’s an increased emphasis on defensive organization and communication.
• Centres now play a bigger role in kicking strategies and territorial games.
World Rugby (formerly the International Rugby Board) has seen these changes reflected in the international game, with centres becoming ever more crucial to team strategies.
Training for Centre Excellence
Aspiring centres need a well-rounded training regimen:
1. Skill work: Passing drills, tackling practice, and kicking exercises.
2. Physical conditioning: Strength training and speed work.
3. Mental preparation: Decision-making under pressure and game analysis.
4. Positional understanding: Learning to read the game and position effectively.
The Centre’s Role in Team Tactics
In the modern game, centres are key to various tactical approaches:
• Crash ball: Using strong inside centres to punch holes in the defence.
• Distributors: Centres acting as playmakers to spread the ball wide.
• Defensive captains: Organizing the backline defence and rushing up to pressure opponents.
Whether it’s in the Six Nations Championship or a local club game, these tactics are essential to a team’s success.
Conclusion: The Heart of Rugby’s Backline
So, what number is centre in rugby?
Centres are the guys who can change the course of a game with a crushing tackle or a flash of brilliance. They are the lifeblood of the backline.
Knowing the centre positions deepens your understanding for the complex chess game that takes place on the rugby field, whether you’re a player, coach, or supporter.
Keep in mind that, just as in life, a lot of the time, the action takes place in the middle.