Positional Requirements – Hooker:
1. Has ability to throw anywhere in the line-out
2. Competent checklist (“Tower of Power”)
3. Has ability to strike to win own ball at scrum
4. Has ability to lead the scrummage
5. Has effective individual tackling technique (1 v 1)
6. Has effective team defence technique
7. Understands Loose play, i.e. when to go to ruck, when to be a runner
8. Is a creative strike runner i.e. (a) creative, (b) strike, (c) power
9. Is comfortable with ball in hand, i.e. can catch and pass with either hand
10. Delivers quick ball in contact
11. Is mentally tough, i.e. competes and trains at 95-100% of ability at all times
12. Has County-standard fitness levels
13. Has a ruthless edge in the pursuit of winning
Positional Skills:
| Throws ball straight and accurately | Strikes ball cleanly | Work rate / Mobility | Body position in the set-piece | Contact Skills (ruck /maul) | Leg drive in contact | Handling, Offloading and Link-Play skills |