Is 6'1 too tall to be a hooker in rugby?

Question

I am a senior in high school, I am 6'1 210lbs, and i play number 8 for my u-19 club. After this year i will be noving up to mens rugby and i think that i should make the move to hooker because i am a good loose foward and one of my greatist assets is how well i get around the field. I am to small to play 8, or flank, (maybe a strong side #7), at the adult level and i dont think i would ever get above b-side if i was a center so my only other option is hooker i have played it in 7s and i am pretty good, i win my own ball 9/10 times and occasionally steal one. i am worried than i will be too tall be a hooker and be left position-less.

Answer 1

I think you should try the move mate. Steve Thompson and John Smit are reasonably tall. If that doesn't work what about Blind or Openside Flanker.

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

No not at all, Rugby Union is a tall mans game, have a look at the current and past hookers they all near or exceed 6ft. What you will need is to bulk up in the upper body and thigh area as this is where the real strength for a forward (or back) lies.

Anyway why place Rugby Union League is a better game to play and watch. lol. Good luck.

Answer 4

YES

You could end up with neck or back injuries

B.

Answer 5

yep that is too tall for a hooker! u gotta remember srummaging! U might ruin your neck in there, I dont even know how the two props can engage in the scrum if your that tall. I'd say get u into the locks or the flanks!! Those are excellent positions for you

But do try hooker and tell us all about it

Answer 6

BRO!!

All these other answers are wack!! Im 5'10 and i play open side and hooker and number 8... i play semi pro in ireland and also play rugby league!

One thing i have learnt playing is.. U TELL them(club/coach)  where your going to be playing and you work your asre off to get 2 that position, dont play somewhere your not confident but then again u might like hooker..

If you are good enough thay will put you where you want to play, talk to your coach about it and if they say nah look at other clubs, dont limit your options...

i take you must be 18 now?? make the right choice now bro cause it will be 2 late to change later and the last thing u want is a coach using u as a utility forward on the bench covering positions..

If you are gonna go far make sure your line-out throwing is spot on...one thing overseas clubs are lacking is good throwers...so make that a goal i **** u not

GO HARD BRO!

Answer 7

I would be worried about your weight. For your height you should be 240 minimum if you consider being in the front row

Answer 8

Sleepy and Barry are spot on. Key detrmining factors are how strong is your neck? How quickly can you bulk up. Do you have a solid or spindly build. If your neck is thin don't do it. Get good technical training, and get in a team with scrum parity or superiority as you learn., You don't want to be a new front rower in a pack that is p**s weak.

Answer 9

Hey dude, why do you think you are too small to play flanker? 15stone is a great weight to bang the tackles in and you are quick enough to get to the breakdowns. I'm now 38 & played mainly RL as a second rower with a ponchance for tackling but I also played Union as a flanker which I loved. Yes I definately think you are too tall/too small to play at hooker personally but that is my opinion.

Whatever you decide play with a smile on your face & always give 100% & play where you feel most comfortable (or where you get picked)

Good luck

T

Answer 10

6'1 is not too tall at all, but it will depend on the props and their height and size.

You have said you will be moving up to the Men rugby, you’ll find that the older you get the better you are as a front rower.

The front row is a specialised position, unless you've played this position during your lower grades, my advice would be, not to do it.

This takes a lot of years to build your body to couple with what is needed to play this position for the very reason why players of this sort do not have necks.

But no doubt your coach will decide, what is best for you.

In my opinion, you should continue playing loose forward as it's clear you enjoy it. (A hooker is a tight forward) and from what you have said, it's your greatest assets in how well you get around the field, it's a start.

A loose forward is a flanker or a number 8, don’t sell yourself short.

Specialise in these position and continue to build on it.

And there is a big different between 7s Scrums and 15 a side Scrums.

Best of luck and go for gold…

Answer 11

I think 6'1" is too tall to be a hooker any where. LOL

Answer 12

Sleepy's answer is spot on! It really depends on the your team mates to the left and right. Being tall is not a draw back in todays rugby teams. You sound like you could do well at wing in the future. Enjoy your game and your ability will always make room for you