Henry Pollock has sparked one of rugby’s oldest debates after revealing which position he believes is the easiest to play.
The England and Northampton Saints star was taking part in a quick-fire Q&A with his club when he was asked a simple question: Which position is the easiest?
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Without missing a beat, Pollock replied:
“Scrum-half. All you do is pass and kick it.”
Judging by the smile on his face, Pollock’s response was almost certainly tongue-in-cheek, but it’s still the sort of comment guaranteed to get every No.9 biting.
Scrum-halves are often regarded as the link between forwards and backs, touching the ball more than anyone else and controlling the tempo of a game. Needless to say, plenty of former and current scrum-halves are unlikely to agree with Pollock’s assessment.
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RUCK Ranking: Every rugby position from easiest to hardest
Before anyone heads to the comments… every position at elite level is incredibly demanding. This ranking is just a bit of fun inspired by Henry Pollock’s answer.
15. Wing
The position most people would choose if they wanted an easier afternoon. Modern wingers still need electric pace, aerial ability and finishing instincts, but they can go long periods without being heavily involved.
14. Full-back
You might only get a handful of touches, but every catch under the high ball comes with pressure.
13. Outside Centre
A specialist role that demands pace and defensive awareness without the set-piece responsibilities of forwards.
12. Inside Centre
Whether you’re a battering ram or a second playmaker, the role is demanding but relatively defined.
11. Blindside Flanker (6)
A physical workhorse who cleans rucks and makes tackles all day.
10. Number 8
Carries, links play and controls the back of the scrum.
9. Lock (5)
The engine room of the pack with huge workloads around the pitch.
8. Lock (4)
Heavy collisions, lineout responsibility and endless graft.
7. Fly-half (10)
Expected to run the attack while making split-second decisions under constant pressure.
6. Openside Flanker (7)
The breakdown specialist who rarely gets a moment’s rest.
5. Scrum-half (9)
Sorry, Henry. The No.9 may “pass and kick it”, but they also dictate the tempo and often make more decisions than anyone else on the field.
4. Hooker (2)
Throwing at the lineout, scrummaging, tackling and carrying – there’s no hiding.
3. Loosehead Prop (1)
A brutally technical position that combines immense strength with mobility.
2. Tighthead Prop (3)
Often described by players as the toughest position in rugby. One mistake in the scrum and everyone notices.
1. Captain (any position!)
The hardest job of all? Leading 14 teammates, dealing with referees and making big decisions under pressure.
POLL
HENRY POLLOCK’s TOP 5 BACK-ROWERS OF ALL-TIME
5. Ardie Savea
One of the most complete forwards of the modern era, Savea blends explosive power with elite handling and pace rarely seen in a flanker.
A standout for the All Blacks, he has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, evolving from an impact player into a world-leading figure and national captain. His ability to dominate collisions, win turnovers, and link play makes him a prototype for the modern back-rower.
