Winger - Position Guide
Wingers in a game of rugby union (also known simply as wings) are tricky speedsters who score a great number of tries. Powerful, fast, nimble and athletic, they’re responsible for evading opposition defenders, hunting down kicks and performing try-saving tackles.
Think you have the handling skills, trickery and the raw pace required to play as a winger? Well, read our position guide below and see if the position really is right for you.
What is a winger?
Each rugby team has two wingers (a left winger and a right winger). Both of these players act as the team’s finishers in attacking situations. To do this, they stand close to the touchlines and wait until the ball is spread out to them. From here, they use pace and trickery to work their way past opposition defenders who are trying to cover them.
Although rugby wingers play a vital role when their team is in possession, wingers also play an important role when their team doesn’t have the ball. This is because they’re asked to form the last line of defence.
Other names for a winger
Around the world, some rugby positions are known by different names. However, this isn’t the case with the winger.
That said, while some people refer to the left winger and the right winger, other people do refer to the openside winger and the blindside winger. In these instances, the openside winger plays on the side of the pitch furthest away from the last breakdown (scrum, ruck or maul). By contrast, the blindside winger operates on the other side, meaning they have less space in front of them.
What number is a winger?
As we’ve mentioned, each team has two wingers. The right winger wears the number 14 jersey and the left winger wears the number 11 jersey.
What is the average size of a winger?
Over the years, the height and weight of the average winger has varied massively. For example, former All Black great Jonah Lomu was 1.96m tall (6ft 5in), while Welsh legend Shane Williams was only 1.7m tall (5ft 7in). However, in spite of their vast height differences, both were incredible wingers who oppositions feared.
Today, the average height of a winger is around 1.86m (6ft 1in). However, as we’ve mentioned, height isn’t necessarily a factor that determines whether you can play as a winger.
That said, your height will influence the way you play the position. For example, tall wingers are usually much better under the high ball, while smaller wingers tend to be more elusive runners. Due to this, it’s important that you recognise your strengths and play to them.
Much like with height, the weight of a rugby winger will also determine how they play the game. Generally speaking, wingers take one of two forms: destructive ball runners such as Julian Savea and skilful and quick wingers such as Bryan Habana.
At the larger end of the scale, a winger will usually weigh around 105kg. Meanwhile, smaller and more diminutive wingers will weigh around 90kg. Again, when assessing your weight, it’s important that you play to your strengths. For example, if you only weigh 90kg, you’ll likely have strong pace and acceleration, but you’ll be weaker in the tackle.
What is the winger’s role?
The primary role of the winger is to score tries and finish off a team’s flowing attacking moves. To do this, wingers must ensure they’re in the right position to receive the ball, and then use their pace to weave away from onrushing defenders.
But, a winger cannot simply hog the touchline and wait until the ball arrives in their hands. Most teams also ask their wingers to come in off their wing and provide an extra ball carrying option. This is especially the case for larger wingers who have the ability to carry the ball through contact and create overloads. On top of this, wingers may also be asked to chase high balls or chip kicks.
However, a winger must contribute a lot more to a team than scoring tries and providing attacking support play. Defensively, they must also field high kicks, clear their own territory and perform covering tackles (often as the last line of defence).
What is the winger’s role in scrums?
Scrums are frequent occurrences in a game of rugby union. However, they’re battles between the two forward packs, so the wingers take no part.
However, even though they’re not involved in the pushing and shoving, wingers cannot switch off at scrum time. This is because, if their team emerges with the ball, they need to be ready to attack. After all, the fly half may kick the ball down their wing, pass it along the backs until it reaches the winger or make a mazy run that requires support.
Similarly, if their team loses the scrum, then the winger must be prepared to defend for their lives until the forwards can get back into position.
What is the winger’s role in lineouts?
At the lineout, a team’s two wingers play a limited role.
The winger on the opposite side of the field to where the lineout is taking place will often have a lot of space. Depending on whether their team wins the lineout or not, they can either attack into this space or help defend that side of the field.
The winger on the side of the field where the lineout is taking place has a number of responsibilities. The role they need to fulfil will depend on exactly what happens at the lineout.
If the nearside winger’s team loses the lineout, then they must drop back so that they can deal with a box kick or a long clearing kick. However, if their team wins the lineout, then they will instead be responsible for chasing box kicks or clearing kicks.
Alternatively, depending on their team’s game plan, the nearside winger may also be asked to come in off the wing to take an inside pass from the fly half.
Notable wingers
As they’re the chief try scorers on a team, many wingers are household names. As part of our recent RugbyPass Hall of Fame fan vote, we asked rugby fans from around the world who their favourite left and right wingers of all time were.
Unsurprisingly, they resoundingly told us that the greatest left winger of all time was the legendary Jonah Lomu. He gathered three times as many votes as South African speedster Bryan Habana, who was well ahead of Wales star Shane Williams.
When it came to the right winger, the contest was much more even. That said, Australian legend David Campese was still a clear winner. He was followed in the voting by Doug Howlett, Jeff Wilson, Rory Underwood and John Kirwan.
FAQs
Now, you know all the basics about functioning as a rugby winger. However, if you’re interested in learning even more about the position, then read on. Below, we’ve answered a number of popular reader questions about wingers in rugby, including how to train for the position and the physical attributes required to play there.
Are wingers important in rugby?
In a rugby game, wingers are incredibly important. Inventive and highly skilled players, they’re responsible for spotting gaps in defensive lines, running onto kicks and spreading the play. In low scoring games, a dynamic winger who can break through a small gap can be invaluable.
Similarly, in defence, a quick winger can prevent the opposition getting over the try line. Functioning as the last line of defence, they can be the difference between conceding 5-8 points and keeping the opposition scoreless.
What’s the difference between the left winger and the right winger?
In truth, there isn’t too much difference between the left winger and the right winger, and both players stay close to their own touchline.
Whichever role is best for you will depend on where you feel comfortable. For example, if you prefer to catch the ball when it’s coming from the right, you like to carry the ball in your left hand and you prefer kicking with your left foot, then you’re probably most suited to the left wing.
If the opposite is true, then you’re probably better suited to the right wing. However, both wingers play exactly the same role in the game.
What skills do I need to play as a winger?
As a winger, your most important attribute is your pace. If you can combine your sheer pace with light feet, creativity and evasiveness, you’ll be lethal in possession.
On top of this, you must also possess the ability to bring down opposition players who are already in full flight, and be able to catch high balls.
How fast are rugby wingers?
A winger must be one of the fastest players on the pitch. To give you an idea of just how rapid elite rugby wingers are, England winger Jonny May has been recorded running at 37.71 km/h.
On average, the maximum speed of an elite rugby winger is around 9.15 meters per second, which is seriously rapid. But, it’s important to remember these stats reflect the elite level and there’s no need for you to match these levels in club rugby.
Instead, you should compare your speed against the other players in your team. You should then aim to be the fastest player in your squad… and then league. This applies both over short distances and longer runs.
What training exercises do wingers complete?
To fend off opposition defenders, you must have strong shoulders and a strong core. However, you also need to have high levels of leg strength, as this will improve your acceleration and evasiveness.
To help build your muscles in a way that will improve your wing play, you should focus on completing the following exercises while you’re in the gym:
- Overhead presses
- Wood choppers
- Squats
- Bench-press
- Lunges
- Deadlifts
Although working hard in the gym is incredibly useful, you also need to focus on other aspects of your game. For example, when your gym work is finished, you must also complete a number of kicking and speed drills.
Of course, wingers in club rugby cannot compete with the strength and conditioning standards that are set at the elite level. However, knowing these standards can give you something to aim for.
- An elite winger will be able to:
- Squat 1.6x their bodyweight
- Bench-press 1.3x their bodyweight
- Run 3km in 11 minutes
- Sprint 40m in less than 5 seconds
Comments on RugbyPass
A poor decision to appoint Carley as not only is Pearce a better referee but also importantly speaks French.
2 Go to commentsHe is 100 % on the mark. Malicious arrogance with a lack of respect for the other teams mostly the south. they must learn from True rugby nations like the Boks and Kiwis
115 Go to commentsThis Outiniqua boy has played sublime rugby and deserves a spot in BI LIONS team. Well played son
4 Go to commentsI don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
31 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
31 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
11 Go to commentsHiding coming up for Saders.
1 Go to commentsDagg really does go down some rabbit holes doesnt he? In the name I guess.
6 Go to commentsHey Brett I’m one who is looking forward to seeing JS back on the rugby field. I was under the impression that a large portion of his contract was via a third party so RA isn’t having to foot the bill My big concern is around the Tahs and what is happening there, why are so many players bailing. Is it the program, the coaches or the culture. Joe Schmidt recently said he had been at the Tahs all week and DC is a good coach. Something doesn’t gel , 10 front row forwards in a season that’s not bad luck
16 Go to commentsIncorrect title. He hasn’t said Furlong is one of the best scrummagers. He said he is one of the best props.
2 Go to comments“_It seems like a crazy thing that he was counting them_“ Are you stupid, mate? Anyone with more than half a brain understands that he meant “a lot” or something similar. Do you really think he was counting? “*Goode*: Told you, Jim!“ No, you banana. You said, explicitly, that the Irish players didn’t say what EE said they did. Even though you weren’t there. Even though you didn’t hear a word they said. M0r0n.
115 Go to commentsI am sure that Scott Robertson did do the courtesy of telling Sam Cane that he was not in his All Black plans and NZR would support him if he wished to sign a lucrative pension playing out his career in the cream puff rugby that is Japan’s Top League. I fail to see this as a negative as Israel Dagg is trying to spin it. Razor allowed Cane to leave with dignity rather than being unceremoniously dumped as was Buck Shelford.
6 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to comments