What Physical Attributes do you need to have to play number 8 in rugby?

Question

What Physical Attributes do you need to have to play number 8 in rugby?

Answer 1

Ok so we played rugby in Gym not a long time ago. Basicly what you need is supppppper runing skills. Fast reflex, and logic, cause sometimes you forget yourself, and pass the ball the wrong way, and thats illigal

Answer 2

a number 8 needs to be physically very strong.yet he also needs to have mobility.  A sort of cross between a loose and a tight forward. Often a number 8 is quite tall and athletic to give him the ability to jump at the back of lineouts.

Answer 3

Ears that are abnormally resistant to 'scrum rash'.

Larger than normal testes.

Small brain.

That's all.

Answer 4

In the modern game, most Number 8's have to be physically very strong, mobile and preferably tall. Many Number 8's are required are at times to be a mix between a forward and a back. A few reasons about the requirements:

* Number 8's generally will be required to help catch the ball on kick off's and sometimes help the backs set up an offensive manoeuvre. This is one of the reasons they have to be mobile.

* Strength is certainly required at any position but is one of the more used players when it comes to carrying the ball forward ball close to the ruck and fringes. That means trying to break the line and also having to absorb defenders.

*In relation to the previous area, this is another reason you would need to be very mobile. In that you can take the ball up quickly and either lay it off to the halfback or pass to a team mate. Also you are required to anchor the scrum so you have to help steady it. If needed pick the ball up and go and that also requires good mobility.

* Height is not the most essential area but is certainly a helpful attribute. Mainly because it gives the hooker another option at lineouts and can be used to take kickoffs.

Certainly a few guys that are worth watching to see physical attributes and very talented, have a look at Rodney So'oialo (NZ), Jerry Collins (NZ - he plays blindside flanker but originally was a No.8) and Imanol Harinordoquy (France).

Answer 5

When I played Rugby, I found I needed a healthy liver.