What is a number eight, and what do they do?

What is a number eight, and what do they do?

Mike Schmid (Director of Rugby, Esher RFC) gives expert video advice on: What are forwards?; What are the main jobs of the forwards?; What are backs? and more...

A number eight is generally the back person you scrim. He's generally going to be an athlete. He's, again, going to be a ball handler. He marshals the forwards, and he's a link player between the forwards and backs. He can be a jumper in your lineout, or a supporter, but he's generally a good athlete, and generally a leader on your side as well.