Blindside Flanker Meaning in Rugby Union

The blindside flanker is a player who wears the number six jersey in the scrum. This player usually stands on the side of the scrum closest to the sideline. Their main job is to defend the narrow side of the field from attacks. They are typically very large, strong, and excellent at tackling big opponents. They also jump in the lineout to win the ball high in the air. On the attack, they act as a powerful runner to break through the defense. They are the workhorses of the team who do a lot of difficult, dirty work. For example, a blindside flanker might tackle an opposing runner trying to sneak down the edge. This stop prevents the other team from gaining ground in a tight space. They are essential for protecting the team’s weakest defensive areas.