Positional Requirements – Blindside Flanker:
1. Has ability to win own line-out ball
2. Is able to support jumper in the lineout
3. Competent checklist (“Tower of Power”)
4. Adopts a correct position to generate maximum push in the scrum
5. Has the ability to win ball in the air, i.e. restarts or chasing and receiving kicks
6. Has effective individual tackling technique (1 v 1)
7. Has effective team defence technique
8. Understands Loose play, i.e. when to go to ruck, when to be a runner
9. Is a creative strike runner i.e. (a) creative, (b) strike, (c) power
10. Is comfortable with ball in hand, i.e. can catch and pass with either hand
11. Delivers quick ball in contact
12. Has a physical presence at the contact area
13. Is mentally tough, i.e. competes and trains at 95-100% of ability at all times
14. Has County-standard fitness levels
15. Has a ruthless edge in the pursuit of winning
Positional Skills:
| Athletic Ability / Work rate | Competes for the ball at the breakdown | Defence | Handling, Offloading and Link-Play skills | Contact Skills (ruck /maul) | Change of pace |