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Number 8 changing positions

Hazzo98

Academy Player
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Apr 30, 2020
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England
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Leicester
Basically I've spent the last two seasons at university playing at either 8 or 6. I'm 5'9 - 175cm- and 96kg.

In fairness I love the position but moving forward I'm a bit conscious about my size playing there. I graduate this year and have sorted a team out..... I'd imagine it will be higher standard than the university competition.

My strengths as a player are probably my defence and perhaps ball carrying... I've improved my footwork over the last year especially. I think my size helps me to a certain extent in I've always been good over the ball and winning turnovers and in terms of that, I think being lower to the ground is beneficial defensively. I'm perhaps a bit faster than most 8's and have decent hands.

However, it goes without saying that I'm a lot shorter than the majority of 8's around and I think that will be even more the case at club level. I feel like there could be a ceiling on how high I can go in the game. Obviously a lot of back row's are major line-out jumpers which I perhaps can't guarantee to the same level as others.

My Dad has spoken about moving to hooker but scrums and lineout's would be a big change and would take so much learning. 7 is maybe an option but again maybe size, centres maybe likewise but I'm more sure I'm skilful enough for the backs.

Not easy I know based on a brief description but would anyone have any recommendations on perhaps what option I should look to take positionally? I want to play to the best and highest level that I can and just want to give myself the best chance of doing that really
 
i played most of my youth as hooker, 6 and 7. then i moved to a new high school and reinvented myself as a centre / winger. i absolutely loved it. i'd spend the game waiting to score tries.
i recommend you move into the centres. if you have a kick then 12, if not 13. your defense will be invaluable as a centre. and if your a good ball carrier then thats vital. plus all the turn over ball skill will make you the opesideFlaker of the back line.
I'd def change if i were you. it will give a whole new appreciation of how hard the forwards work, but trust me, backs is all abut minimum work and maximum glory.
 
Hey, I'm 180cm and average between 100-104kg (though i do want to get bigger and fitter) and play 8. I played a lot of positions (4-7 & 11-15) before i finally settled on 8. I don't find height to be such an issue as it gives a lot of advantages such as lower CoG, lower tackle height etc. I moved to 8 when i added a bit of weight and i've never looked back. Adding explosive training will help as a line out jumper and around the park. I make my ball carrying and tackling my point of difference. If you enjoy the position, turn your attributes in your favour and build your game around them. If i were to move, i guess it would be 12 as it's the next best thing after back row.
 
Depending on the level you play at the no8 position comes in all shapes and sizes. If you do the basics right , run hard , tackle hard and good over the ball you will do well.

You need to train hard and play 100% all the time
 
Front row seems like the obvious choice.

Creevy played a lot as #8 (or flanker, my memory fails me) in his club and then switched to hooker. He has mentioned he struggled to change positions, both at scrums and line outs. If i recall correctly he went to a line out throwing specialist (there are some of those) when he played in England.

Mtawarira used to play #8 in highschool and then switched to prop. That would at least save you from throwing the ball in the line outs.
 
It's not so easy to switch to prop

In my opinion 96kg is light for a prop

I have played prop for over 20 years ( loose head and tight head)

You need to be coached well and not be put off with having your head shoved up your own arse a few times when you come up against some older heads in the scrum.rugby-47_f_1_400_0.jpg
 
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