Rugby · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.1
The Front Row
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 28 October 2026 · markdown
The front row is the first line of the scrum: two props and a hooker, numbered 1, 2 and 3 from left to right, ahead of the second row and the back row. They are the first three players to meet the opponents, small details in their work decide the scrum, and scrum dominance wins both the ball and penalties.
The loosehead prop, number 1, packs on the left, with the head outside the opposing tighthead; the loose side gives more freedom, and a steady loosehead lets the hooker strike. The tighthead, number 3, packs on the right and faces both the opposing hooker and loosehead, hence the name, and it is the most specialised and technical scrum role. The hooker sits between the props, hooks the ball back with the strike and, in most teams, throws in at the lineout. A firm body bind with a straight spine and a flat back holds the unit together and transfers force safely, while a loose bind splits the scrum. Replacements 16, 17 and 18 cover hooker, loosehead and tighthead, because front-row cover is a safety matter: after an injury with no cover, scrums become uncontested.
Away from the scrum, props lift jumpers at restarts, carry close to the breakdown and secure the ball at rucks, and modern hookers are mobile ball-carriers. The facts below cover the three positions, binding, the throw, safety and training, open play, and front-rowers such as Leonard, Fitzpatrick, Wood, Furlong and Best.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1The loosehead propTake a test
Number 1 packs on the left of the front row.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
The loosehead's head sits outside the opposing tighthead.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Loosehead meets tighthead.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
A steady loosehead lets the hooker strike.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Props are key lifters.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
The loose side gives more freedom.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
16 hooker, 17 loosehead, 18 tighthead.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Bind, crouch, bind across, push.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
1, 2, 3 from left to right.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
The left-hand front-rower is the loosehead.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 2The tighthead propTake a test
Number 3 packs on the right.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
The tighthead faces both the hooker and loosehead.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Hence 'tight' head.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
It is the most specialised scrum role.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Tighthead against loosehead.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Furlong is known for skills unusual in a prop.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
16, 17 and 18 are the front-row replacements.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
1, 2 and 3.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Bind, feet, crouch, engage.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
The right-hand prop is the tighthead.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 3The hooker's jobsTake a test
Between the two props.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
The hooker hooks the ball back.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Most hookers throw in.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Modern hookers are mobile ball-carriers.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Wood was the first winner of the award.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Fitzpatrick won 92 caps.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
The hooker throws, then joins and grounds the ball.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Throw, join, take, score.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Call, throw, join.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
The strike hooks the ball back.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 4Binding in the front rowTake a test
A firm body bind holds the front row together.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
A loose bind splits the scrum.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Props bind on their opposite numbers.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
A safe, legal grip on the body.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
A straight spine transfers force safely.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Loose binds make scrums unstable.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Tight shirts give a firm grip.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Front row first, then the pack, then across.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
A flat back is safest.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Front-row binding.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 5The hooker's throwTake a test
The call says where the ball goes.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Two hands overhead give power and aim.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Accuracy wins lineouts.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Throw and jump meet at the highest point.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Wind pushes the ball sideways.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Short throws are the safest.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
A flat, fast throw is a dart.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Call, grip, watch, throw.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Front, middle, back.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
The hooker throws in.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 6Front-row safety and trainingTake a test
Neck strength is a safety need.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Untrained players risk injury.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Machines allow controlled practice.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Small scrums build technique.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Safety first in a collapse.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Weight goes through the shoulders.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
A set call controls the hit.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Build up one step at a time.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Stop, hold the shape, go down, wait.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Scrum machine work.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 7Props around the fieldTake a test
Props lift jumpers at restarts.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Props make hard yards near the breakdown.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Props secure the ball at rucks.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Props guard the fringes of the ruck.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Props are part of the attack today.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Fresh props keep the scrum strong.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Busy props tackle, carry and clear out.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Lift, carry, clear.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Props carry tightest.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Props carry close to the breakdown.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 8Famous front-rowersTake a test
Du Randt is one of few double winners.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Leonard played both prop positions.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
He played loosehead and tighthead at the top level.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
The Springbok scrum is a national symbol.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Best led Ireland from 2016 to 2019.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
George captained England to third place.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Franks played in both title-winning teams.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
1995, 2003 and 2007.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
1986, 1994 and 2015.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Experience counts in the scrum.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 9A specialist positionTake a test
Scrum technique is slow to learn.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Front-row cover is a safety matter.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
The tighthead's job is the most technical.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Players often find their position later.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Strength without technique is not enough.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Throwing accuracy is a hooker's trademark.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Knowing the opponent helps the battle.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Basics first, timing later.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Injury, no cover, uncontested scrums, restart.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
No pushing: uncontested.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Test 10The front row as a unitTake a test
Two props and a hooker.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Numbers 1 to 5.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
The front-row club is a rugby tradition.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Small details decide the scrum.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Scrum dominance wins the ball and penalties.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Props are the usual lifters.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Hookers are often lighter and more mobile.
Source: General rugby union reference · recall
Three, five and eight.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Front row, second row, back row.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
The first three players meet the opponents.
Source: General rugby union reference · applied
Questions people ask
- What is the difference between a loosehead and a tighthead prop?
- The loosehead, number 1, packs on the left of the front row with the head outside the opposing tighthead. The tighthead, number 3, packs on the right and faces both the opposing hooker and loosehead.
- What does a hooker do in rugby union?
- The hooker packs between the two props and hooks the ball back at the scrum. Most hookers also throw in at the lineout, then join the play, and modern hookers are mobile ball-carriers.
- Why is the tighthead prop called the tighthead?
- The tighthead's head sits between the opposing hooker and loosehead, facing both of them. That is why it is seen as the most specialised role in the scrum.
- Which shirt numbers do the front-row replacements wear?
- Number 16 is the replacement hooker, 17 the loosehead and 18 the tighthead.
- What happens when a team runs out of front-row cover?
- If an injury leaves a team with no front-row cover, scrums become uncontested, with no pushing. Untrained players in the front row risk injury, which is why cover is a safety matter.
- Why do front-rowers train neck strength?
- Neck strength is a safety need in the front row. Scrum machines and small scrums let players build technique one step at a time before full contact.
- Who are some famous front-rowers?
- Leonard played both loosehead and tighthead at the top level, Fitzpatrick won 92 caps and Wood was the first winner of the award. Furlong is known for skills unusual in a prop.
Sources
World Rugby handbooks and coaching material, union and competition records; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered Laws belong to the Laws category.
- General rugby union reference100