What is a flanker?
Flankers are the players who line up on the edges of the scrum, either guarding possession or looking to steal it.
These players are split into two sub-positions. In the majority of teams, flankers either operate on the blindside or the openside of the scrum, with ramifications for their respective job specs.
Where do they line up?
Forming part of the back row, flankers line up either side of the number eight.
As their name suggests, blindside flankers cover the blindside of the scrum, i.e the side closest to the touchline. Conversely, opensides cover the open space on the opposite side.
Flankers are never far from the action. Defensively, they need to be alert to attacks around the fringes of a scrum or ruck. Offensively, they provide a carry option but are also required to fend off would-be tacklers and get to the breakdown first to secure possession.
What jersey number do they wear?
Traditionally, in most parts of the world, blindside flankers wear number six and opensides wear number seven. This is reversed in South Africa however.
What do you need to be a good flanker?
Athleticism, aggression and not merely a willingness to put your body on the line but a stamina to keep doing it. For 80 long minutes.
Supreme upper body strength is also a must given the amount of rucks you are required to hit.
Who should I keep an eye on at RWC 2025?
England, unsurprisingly, have the best selection of flankers heading to the tournament. Sadia Kabeya (pictured above scoring v Italy in the Guinness Women's Six Nations 2025) and Maddie Feaunati are tireless opensides who possess supreme skill in the loose.
Red Roses captain Zoe Aldcroft (lead picture, packing down v France in a RWC 2025 warm-up match), when not playing in the second row, is probably the world’s best number six. Her work ethic is unrivalled.
