GENERAL

Loose Head. the player who wears number 1, packs on the left-hand side of the front row in the scrum. He must be able to resist force from opposition and provide a stable platform for the hooker
Tight Head. the player who wears number 3, packs on the right-hand side of the front row in the scrum. He must be able to hold a strong, square position on their own ball and be able threaten the opposition ball.

The prop(s) should be extremely strong, thrive on one-to-one, front row contact; short and strong neck is preferable; broad shoulders; strong arms, and thigh and a strong back. In the modern game, props play a full role once the scrum/line-out is over. In attack, the prop must be a capable ball handler and must be able to contribute fully in defence as a tackler.

SCRUM. The props main priority at scrum is to provide a solid platform to help his hooker win good quality ball. This needs strength and technique. Ideally the prop must maintain a strong position which allows them to transmit the force of those exerting power behind and make life difficult for the opposition scrum. Props must engage the opposition from a crouch position using the following sequence: crouch, engage. Specifically:

PLAY BETWEEN SET PIECES. A prop now needs to be a ball handler, ball winner, ball retainer, support player and a defender. In contact they must remain on their feet, keep the ball and resist the opposition. Drive dynamically at rucks and mauls with a good body position
At kick-offs they must move quickly to any player who is about to catch the ball and to help secure it
Props will need to enter contact situations and wrestle for the ball
Props must tackle and contribute to the team's tackle count
Understand what they are trying to achieve from all areas of play

CONTINUITY/OPEN PLAY.
The Props must be aware of "what happens next" and must be able to read the game

TECHNIQUE AND SKILL. The majority of the Prop's game is played in close contact and practices should be organised to perform skills under these conditions

Key Strengths - Individual
Comfortable with contact
Has overall strength, but particularly in the shoulders, chest,back and legs
Scrum
Provides a solid platform for the hooker to win the ball
Loose-Head Resists the force from opponents
Tight-Head Holds a strong, square position
Line-Out
Supports the jumper in the jump-and-catch sequence
Quickly closes off any gaps
Protects the ball
Sometimes acts as a sweeper, the player who gathers up any loose balls
Occasionally acts as a forward, peeling around the back of the line-out
On opposition's throw:
Drives through any gaps and tried to win back ball
Loose
Contributes to the attacking and defending sequences of the team
Stays on feet in contact
Maintains a good body position in rucks and mauls
Drives dynamically into contact
Moves quickly to support the ball carrier, particularly at kick-off