What female body type is ideal to play rugby?

Emma: What female body type is ideal to play rugby?
I asked a question earlier about what sport I should play. My boyfriends brother plays rugby and it looks like a decent sport. What is a good body shape to play? I am 5’2, 125-ish pounds and obviously a girl! Thanks in advance!

Answers and Views:

Answer by Mark L
One with two legs, two arms with hands and opposed thumbs at the end, a head with a brain. After that it’s courage and commitment. Just as in men’s rugby, there are places for all manner of body-types. You didn’t identify your age, but guessing that you are a young woman, there are good chances your “body type” is still developing, as it does for everyone as they move into and through adulthood.

At your size, you’ll pretty surely play in the backs, even if you are still in school. Just starting out, wing is easiest to manage while you learn the game, especially if you have good pace. But if you are a committed sort who likes to be in the action, give some thought to speaking with the coach about scrum half. Takes a longish while to learn – very technical with lots of responsibilities on defense as well as offense. But it’s at the heart of the game once it’s underway. Halfback is pretty obviously the link between the forwards and the backs, but she’s also central to the tactical development, and has to be respected by both the forwards for close play and understanding their roles and responsibilities, and by the backs as not only their link, but also an offensive player.

Have fun.

Mark L.

Answer by blm
Rugby takes pride in having a position for each body type — ranging from props (powerful but slow) to wingers (slight but fast), and everything in between. That said, a lot turns on your acceleration, pace and ball handling skills along with your general body type.

The best way to find out what position would suit you is to get out and try the sport. Just make an effort to be reasonable fit when you do. Its hard to have fun when you are gasping for breath all the time.

Good luck!

Answer by Iago
There’s a spot for every body type in rugby, as long as you can last 80 minutes on the field.