Front Row Meaning in Rugby Union

The front row is made up of the three players at the very front of the scrum. These positions are the two props on the sides and the hooker in the middle. They are the first players to make contact with the opposing team during the engagement process. These athletes must be incredibly strong and have thick necks to withstand the massive pressure of the push. Their job is to stay stable and provide a solid platform for the rest of the forward pack. The hooker also has the special job of using their feet to strike the ball during the scrum. Because they are at the center of the heaviest contact, they are often the most respected players on the field. For example, a powerful front row can win a game by pushing the other team backward at every scrum. This dominance earns penalties and tires out the opposition’s biggest players. They are the foundation of the forward pack.