Can I play rugby if I'm small?
Sophia Bowman
Updated on April 15, 2026
You are not too small to play Rugby mate. Anybody can play, it just depends on your ability and skill as to what level you will fit in at. Really small guys can play at a high level if they are highly skilled. However don't be under any illusions that Rugby isn't a hard sport.
Also asked, can you play small in rugby?
Skinny people can play rugby. It is a game for all shapes and sizes regardless of build. A lighter, thinner person, can be quicker on the field and better at making use of space. In rugby technique is more important than size or weight.
Additionally, how do you tackle in rugby if you're small? But at this level, I would simply say this: If you are a smaller player, don't allow an attacker to run straight at you. Adjust your feet and tackle them slightly to one side. Most of the attacker's weight will be directed at taking a tackle to the front not the side.
Subsequently, one may also ask, do you have to be big to play rugby?
Players need to be aerobically and anaerobically fit, fast, agile, mobile, powerful, and strong. However, it's not enough to be well-conditioned, ruggers need to be skilled too. It doesn't matter how fit or strong you are, if you can't pass, kick, and tackle, you are nothing but a waste of space on the pitch!
How tall should you be for rugby?
Professional rugby players are taller on average than the general population. Lock forward is the tallest position in Rugby Union with an average height of 1.99 meters (6'6'').
How Tall Are Professional Rugby Players?
| Position | Meters | Ft/In |
|---|---|---|
| Center | 1.85 | 6'1†|
| Flanker | 1.91 | 6'3†|
| Lock | 1.99 | 6'6†|
Related Question Answers
What position do small rugby players play?
Scrum half and wing are the best positions for small rugby players. If you are slightly gobby, enjoy telling people what to do, have good ball handling skills and can kick, then you are prime scrum-half material. If you are more about pace and swerves then you would do well on the wing.What is the hardest position in rugby?
For their part, props occupy the toughest and most punishing position in rugby and take a lot of hits during the course of a match. Whether you're a hooker or a prop, going in for physical contact is all part of your job, which requires a lot of physical strength.Are scrum halves small?
Across the three leagues, the average height of scrum-halves barely wavers. Scrum-halves are traditionally the smallest players on the field, although there are exceptions, so these heights are not that surprising, neither is the fact that there is little differentiation between the leagues.Which rugby Position tackles the most?
The mysterious Number Eight and his roleOne of the players who sees the most tackling, the number eight is also the only player without a position name.
Who is the lightest rugby player?
Fumiaki Tanaka| Date of birth | 3 January 1985 |
| Place of birth | Kyoto, Japan |
| Height | 166 cm (5 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 72 kg (11 st 5 lb; 159 lb) |
| Rugby union career | |
|---|---|
What makes a good rugby player?
Rugby is a non-stop contact sport. Speed and stamina are paramount and all good players have them in their repertoires. Players should develop acceleration, changing pace, changing direction, and running sideways and backwards.Do rugby players bench?
Many of the world's best rugby players have modest PBs on the bench press. The relative bodyweight of players and what they're throwing up on the bar must be taken into account. The Springboks, for example, expect Test players to bench press between 1.3 to 1.5 times their bodyweight, position-dependent.Does rugby make you stronger?
Builds strength: Rugby is a great sport for boosting upper body strength, with strong arms needed for tackling and throwing, and muscular strength required for this contact sport. It develops the leg muscles because running and battling in scrums need powerful leg muscles.How much do rugby players lift?
The Springboks, for example, expect Test players to bench press between 1.3 to 1.5 times their bodyweight, position-dependent. A 120kg prop, therefore, would be expected to bench 180kg as a "minimum" requirement, while a 100kg centre would be expected to bench 130kg.How tall are rugby wingers?
Across the three leagues, the average height of wingers is very close to being identical. In both the Top 14 and the PRO14, the average height of left wingers on this weekend was 1.83m (6ft) and 1.84m (6ft) for right wingers, making an average of 1.84m (6ft).What do you need to play rugby?
A traditional rugby union kit consists of a jersey and shorts, long rugby socks and boots with studs. The other main piece of equipment is the rugby ball. Some modest padding is allowed on the head, shoulders and collarbone, but it must be sufficiently light, thin and compressible to meet World Rugby standards.Can big guys play rugby?
Rugby, more than most other sports, reflects that fact. People from across a huge range of body shapes and sizes will find a suitable position in a rugby team.How do I stop being scared of rugby?
Use physical grappling warm-ups and ball wrestling contests to make contact natural. Wrestling, bumping and pushing activities will help overcome the initial worries of pushing other people. Play small-sided games in reduced areas to keep the speed down, giving players time to contemplate tackling.How do you hit harder in rugby?
Five key tacking tips- Aim for the shorts. Avoid being penalized for high tackles, stop the opposing player more effectively, and reduce the risk of injury to you and the person you are tacking by aiming for the shorts.
- Hit with the shoulder.
- Wrap the arms.
- Eyes open.
- Minimize the use of tackle bags.
How can I play rugby safely?
Injury Prevention in Rugby: Staying Safe on the Field- Follow proper technique for tackling and side-stepping.
- Develop a training program that includes drills, coordination, strength, balance, and flexibility.
- Wear protective gear such as headgear and a mouth guard.
- Use ankle taping for added protection and support.
