back-row forward

IPA/bˈakɹˈəʊ fˈɔːwəd/
IPA/bˈækɹˈoʊ fˈɔːɹwɚd/

back-row forward — noun

1. In rugby union, a forward who packs down in the back row of a scrum — the two fl

1.nounB2
Definition

In rugby union, a forward who packs down in the back row of a scrum — the two flankers and the number eight, positioned behind the front and second rows. Their role combines strength at the set piece with speed in open play to win possession, carry the ball forward, and link play with the backs.

Example

Rafael has played back-row forward for the national team since he was twenty-two.

play back-row forward for [team]

The coach moved Quan from second row to back-row forward for better speed at the breakdown.

move from [position] to back-row forward

Common collocations
  • play back-row forward
  • back-row forward position
  • back-row forward unit
  • back-row forward partnership
  • move to back-row forward
  • young back-row forward
  • experienced back-row forward
Synonyms
  • loose forward

    Broadly synonymous but used more in some regions (e.g. South Africa, New Zealand) to refer to the same three positions.

  • flanker

    Refers specifically to the two back-row forwards on the left and right sides of the scrum, not the number eight.

  • number eight

    Specifically the back-row forward at the very back of the scrum who controls the ball with a foot.

Antonyms
  • front-row forward

    Props and hooker who pack down in the first row of the scrum, performing a different role.

Usage Note

Common in rugby union match commentary and analysis. The three back-row forwards (two flankers and a number eight) are often referred to collectively as 'the back row' rather than named individually.

Common Mistakes

He plays as a back-row forward in American football.
He plays as a back-row forward in rugby union.
The term is specific to rugby, not American football or other sports.
A back-row forward is the same as a prop.
A back-row forward is a flanker or number eight, while a prop plays in the front row.
Props are front-row forwards; back-row forwards occupy a different position in the scrum.

Word family

  • back row
    nounB2
  • forward
    nounB1
  • flanker
    nounC1
  • number eight
    nounC1
  • loose forward
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Back-row forward' is the umbrella term for the three forwards (two flankers and a number eight) at the back of the scrum. 'Loose forward' carries a similar meaning and is common in South African and New Zealand rugby writing, though slightly less formal. 'Flanker' refers to the two players — blindside and openside — who pack down on the outer edges of the scrum's back row; they are known for mobility, tackling, and contesting possession at the breakdown. 'Number eight' is the single player at the very back of the scrum who controls the ball with a foot and often acts as an extra ball-carrier in open play. A coach might say a young flanker should switch to number eight, but both remain back-row forwards.

back-row forward ↗loose forwardflanker ↗number eight

Common collocations

Phrases

  • back-row forward unit
  • back-row forward play
  • back-row forward position

Etymology

English

The compound 'back-row forward' comes from the structure of a rugby union scrum, which is traditionally formed in three rows. The 'back row' (the rearmost row) houses two flankers and a number eight; 'forward' is the general term for any player in the scrummaging pack. The phrase began appearing in rugby writing and commentary in the early-to-mid 20th century as the game's positions became more formally defined.