No matter whether you caught the buzz in the run-up to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 or are a more seasoned follower of the oval-ball game, we hope this 'Rugby explainers' series informs, educates and entertains.
First up, we are going to run through each of the different positions that make up the 15s game, revealing all the key info.
Starting with the lynchpin of the front row: the hooker.
What is a hooker?
The hooker is one of the most important players on a team at the set piece. The name of the position derives from the fact they compete to hook the ball back at the scrum.
Hookers also throw the ball into the lineout when their team is awarded one and are an increasingly common sight at the top of try-scoring charts.
Not only are they a threat from lineout mauls in the opposition 22 but more and more have developed the agility and handling ability to make a contribution in the loose.
Where do they line up?
At scrum time, hookers line up in between the two props to form the front row.
Traditionally, they have competed with their opposite number to win the ball for their team and hook it back through the second row to the number eight, and ultimately, scrum-half, to start an attack or relieve pressure.
When a team wins a lineout, the hooker is the player who throws the ball into the lineout.
What jersey number do they wear?
Hookers traditionally wear number two.
What do you need to be a good hooker?
Agility, strength, deft hands and an unerringly accurate throw. All to go with a willingness to do the hard work at the coal face.
Who should I keep an eye on at RWC 2025?
England are not as reliant on their driving maul as they once were. But Lark Atkin-Davies and Amy Cokayne (pictured at the top in action v France) still know their way to the try line. England’s dual number twos are also wily at scrum time, accurate when it comes to lineout throwing and a handful in the loose.
PWR-bound Black Fern Georgia Ponsonby (pictured above in action v Australia) is a slightly different style of hooker. A former number eight, she brings a physicality and dynamism to the role that makes her a threat all over the pitch while also being an expert scrummager and lineout thrower.
