Required skills: Props are typically big, heavy and sturdy, and must have considerable upper and lower body strength to effectively hold and gain ground in the scrum. Speed is less important, although in modern professional rugby, the division between backs and forwards is less distinct, and forwards are expected to also have good running, passing and tackling skills. Mentally, props need to achieve absolute focus in the scrum, in order to take advantage of any slight sign that the opposition is losing stability or having to reposition. Concentration and experience is also important in avoiding serious injury.

Required fitness levels: Props must be able to push at least 150 kilograms in bench press and squat 180 kilograms. They should also be able to run the 10 metres in 1.8 seconds and the 40 metres in 5.65 seconds, and do a vertical jump of 55 cm. Props are permitted a maximum of 12% body fat.

Injuries to watch out for: If the scrum collapses, the front row players are at risk for serious head and neck injuries - the latter particularly. Scrums usually collapse if the prop or hooker lowers his shoulder or tries to pull other players down. Studies show that head and neck injuries taken together comprise just under a third of all rugby injuries.