Rugby term
Prop
Definition
A prop is one of the two front-row forwards who bind on either side of the hooker in a scrum, with the loosehead usually wearing 1 and the tighthead 3.
Loosehead and tighthead
Every scrum has a front row of three: a hooker between two props (Law 19). The loosehead prop is on the left of the front row, seen from behind, and the tighthead prop is on the right.
The names come from where their heads go when the front rows meet. Each front-row player puts their head to the left of their opponent's (Law 19), so the loosehead's head is on the outside of the scrum and the tighthead's head sits between the opposing loosehead and hooker.
By convention the loosehead wears number 1 and the tighthead wears number 3, with the hooker in 2 between them.
What props do in the scrum
Props anchor the scrum and take much of the pushing contest. On the referee's call of "Crouch, Bind, Set", the front rows crouch, the props bind, and the two packs come together on "Set" (Law 19). The loosehead binds with the left arm inside the opposing tighthead's right arm. The tighthead binds with the right arm outside the opposing loosehead's left upper arm. Each grips the back or side of the opponent's jersey and keeps that bind for the whole scrum (Law 19).
A prop must not pull an opponent, lift them or force them up, or intentionally collapse the scrum, fall or kneel. These are penalty offences because they are dangerous (Law 19).
Why teams need specialist props
Scrummaging in the front row needs training, so the laws require teams to have suitably trained front-row players and replacements. The number grows with the squad: a match-day squad of 23 must include six front-row players who can cover loosehead, tighthead and hooker (Law 3).
If a team cannot field a suitably trained front row, through injury or cards, the scrums become uncontested. Nobody pushes and the team that throws in wins the ball (Law 3). In elite rugby, a player whose departure causes uncontested scrums cannot be replaced (Law 3).
Props around the field
Outside the scrum, props carry the ball into contact, tackle and clear out rucks. At the lineout they often lift the jumpers, which the laws allow as long as the jumper is lowered to the ground safely (Law 18).
Common questions
What number is a prop in rugby?
By convention the loosehead prop wears number 1 and the tighthead prop wears number 3. The hooker, who packs down between them, wears number 2.
What is the difference between a loosehead and a tighthead prop?
The loosehead packs down on the left of the front row with their head on the outside of the scrum. The tighthead packs down on the right, with their head between the opposing loosehead and hooker.
What does a prop do in rugby?
Props anchor the scrum alongside the hooker, lift jumpers at the lineout, and do much of the carrying, tackling and rucking around the field.
Why are there so many props on a rugby bench?
The laws require trained front-row replacements, rising to six front-row players in a squad of 23. Without them, scrums become uncontested (Law 3).
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