Kick off positions on a rugby pitch

Where should each player stand?

  • Pod 1: the longer the kick is likely to be (kicker, wind, hardness of ground), the further towards the touchline Pod 1 should stand. However, it should be no further than five metres from the 10-metre line.
  • Pod 2: should stand five to 10 metres inside Pod 1 and at least five metres backwards.
  • No.2 or hooker: five metres back from 10m line and probably five metres inside the near goal post.
  • No.6: on the touchline, on the 22m, ready to come forward.
  • No.7: on, or in front of 22m.
  • No.8: inside the 22m depending on the length of kick expected.
  • No.9 on 22m between the pods.
  • Winger: inside 22m on touchline.
  • The midfield decision maker is there to take a pass from the fly half and decide whether to kick or run.

Kick off pressure triangle

Taken from the Match Day Tactics manual.

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