Jumper Meaning in Rugby Union

A jumper is a player designated to leap into the air to catch the ball during a lineout. These players are usually the tallest members of the team, such as the locks (second row). To help them reach higher, two teammates called “lifters” hoist them up by the thighs or waist. The jumper must have great timing and concentration to catch the ball while being balanced high in the air. Their goal is to win the ball cleanly so the scrum-half can start the next attacking play. Jumpers also try to steal the opponent’s ball by jumping at the same time as their rival. For example, at a crucial lineout near the goal, the lock acts as the primary jumper to secure the ball. They catch it at the peak of their jump and hand it down to the teammates below. They are the kings of the air.