What is a centre?
A centre is one of two players in a team’s backline who line up outside of the half-backs and inside of the back three.
These players provide a link between the playmakers inside them and the finishers outside. The two centres perform distinct roles.
The inside centre is often a second playmaker; creating space, either through their kicking and handling skills or via their physicality. The outside centre is traditionally a more elusive player, who looks to exploit the gaps their midfield colleague opens up.
Where do they line up?
Centres traditionally line up outside the fly-half and inside the back three. Although each player is usually comfortable providing an option at first receiver when their team is in possession.
Both centres also form an integral cog in a team’s defensive machine.
What jersey number do they wear?
Inside centres wear the number 12 and outside centres wear number 13.
What do you need to be a good centre?
Good hands, a strong boot and an ability to exploit space; whether through brain or brawn.
Centres are required to do a lot of work defensively too, meaning they must possess a certain level of stamina and strength.
Who should I keep an eye on at RWC 2025?
Gabrielle Vernier is arguably the best inside centre in the world. The Frenchwoman is tough as teak defensively and rarely takes a backwards step, while also being an attacking threat breaking tackles and making metres almost at will.
England’s Megan Jones and Black Fern Stacey Waaka are among the best outside centres preparing to take the field this month. Both use silky skills and trickery honed in sevens to crack open even the tightest defences.
