Position Change

Timothy Bryce

Sorry for the long and arduous post so thanks in advance for reading.

I've been thinking for quite a while of changing position and giving another one a go. Ever since SCT in school I've been playing hooker (thanks to my linout throwing) and dabbling in the back row. Now, I'm 5'6", weight is just over 12 stone. I took a break from the game to get through college but I've gone back to my local club for the last 4 years (I'm 25) and played in the above positions. 2.5 years ago during a match I tore my cruciate ligament and was out for a good 10 months. The truth be told I haven't really cut it since coming back thanks to a little bit of the fear...mainly due to my size and due to the thought of getting a similar injury again. The injury thing I can live with - anyone stepping on a rugby pitch runs that risk and I can get my head around it, but my size seems to be a big problem.

Any time I play in the back row I get crucified....although I get the odd turnover at ruck-time, my hits in the loose aren't what they should be.

My team have always complemented my vision for the game and my ability to pass off both hands - as a result I'm considering giving scrum half a go next season. I've read a fair bit on the BBC website about positional play but want to get a more in depth idea of the position. Coming from playing in the forwards my whole life I anticipate this transition to be difficult but I really want to be able to contest the number 9 jersey next season.

Ideas?

EdgarAllenPoo

It's great that you can pass off both hands but how's your kicking? As a scrumhalf you'll need that too. Based on you size you could also look at outside centre.

Stev_o

Give it a go but make sure your fitness is very high as SH have to have alot of endurance and then make sure they dont get a rush of blood to the head and make a wrong decision

Timothy Bryce

Stev_o wrote: »

Give it a go but make sure your fitness is very high as SH have to have alot of endurance and then make sure they dont get a rush of blood to the head and make a wrong decision

I'd be considered quite fit and am always quick to the breakdown when playing in the backrow so I know that wouldn't be a problem. My use of the boot wouldn't be too bad either.

Where I fall down is offloading in contact - my instinct is always to play conservative - I tend to go to ground in the tackle rather than risking the offload...something I know I'm going to have to change

EdgarAllenPoo

Unless you're more Isaac Boss than Peter Stringer that wouldn't be too much of a problem at scrumhalf to be honest.