Steven Kitshoff (South Africa and Stormers) Steven Kitshoff is a highly respected prop who has been a consistent performer for both the Stormers in Super Rugby and the Springboks at international level. He is a powerful scrummager and a tenacious defender, with a high work rate and excellent ball-carrying abilities. Kitshoff was a key member of the South African team that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Kyle Sinckler (England and Bristol Bears) Kyle Sinckler is a dynamic prop who is known for his explosive power and aggressive playing style. He is a strong scrummager and a dangerous ball carrier, with the ability to make breaks and create opportunities for his team. Sinckler has been a regular fixture in the England team in recent years and played a key role in their Six Nations Grand Slam triumph in 2016.
Taniela Tupou (Australia and Queensland Reds) Taniela Tupou, also known as the “Tongan Thor,” is one of the most exciting young props in world rugby. He is a massive ball carrier and a powerful scrummager, with an impressive turn of pace for a man of his size. Tupou has been a standout performer for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby and has become an important player for the Wallabies.
Wyn Jones (Wales and Scarlets) Wyn Jones is a highly regarded prop who has established himself as a key player for both the Scarlets in the Pro14 and Wales at international level. He is a solid scrummager and an effective ball carrier, with a high work rate and excellent defensive skills. Jones was part of the Wales team that won the Grand Slam in the Six Nations in 2019.
Cian Healy (Ireland and Leinster) Cian Healy is a veteran prop who has been a mainstay of the Ireland team for over a decade. He is a powerful scrummager and a dangerous ball carrier, with the ability to make breaks and offload in the tackle. He is also a strong defender and a fierce competitor, who brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Healy has been part of three Six Nations Championship-winning teams with Ireland, and also played a key role in their historic victory over the All Blacks in 2018. He is a true legend of Irish rugby.
FAQ
What are props in rugby? Props are the two players in the front row of a rugby scrum. They are known as the loosehead prop and the tighthead prop. Their role is to provide support to the hooker in the scrum and to drive forward against the opposing team.
What is the difference between a loosehead prop and a tighthead prop? A loosehead prop is positioned on the left side of the scrum and their role is to support the hooker and bind with the opposing team’s tighthead prop. A tighthead prop is positioned on the right side of the scrum and their role is to provide stability to the scrum and bind with the opposing team’s loosehead prop.
What are the physical requirements to play as a prop in rugby? Props need to have a strong upper body and leg muscles to be able to withstand the physical demands of scrummaging. They should also have good endurance as they need to be able to play for the full 80 minutes of a match.
What is the main job of a prop in rugby? The main job of a prop is to provide support to the hooker in the scrum and to drive forward against the opposing team. They also need to be able to carry the ball and make tackles during the game.
Can props score tries in rugby? Yes, props can score tries in rugby. While it is not their primary role, they can often be used as a close-range option for scoring tries through their strength and size.
What are some common penalties for props in rugby? Some common penalties for props in rugby include collapsing the scrum, not binding correctly, and driving up in the scrum. These penalties can result in free kicks or penalties for the opposing team.
How do props train for rugby? Props typically train with a combination of weightlifting, endurance training, and scrummaging practice. They may also work on their ball-handling skills and tackling technique. It is important for props to maintain their strength and endurance throughout the season to be able to perform at their best during matches.
