Required skills: The flyhalf has a crucial role in that he needs to make split-second decisions about whether it would be better for the backs to run with the ball or whether he should kick it. Thus, in addition to being tactically sharp, he is usually the best kicker in the team with the responsibility for kicking penalties, conversions and drop goals. In modern rugby he should also be a solid tackler as his area of the field is where most sides choose to attack first.

Required fitness level: Flyhalves should manage 1.68 seconds in the 10 metres, 5.25 in the 40 metres, 130kg in the bench press, 160kg in the squat and 65cm in the vertical jump. Body fat should be no more than 9%.

Injuries to watch out for: Flyhalves are vulnerable to leg injuries as a result of running, swerving and side-stepping at speed, particularly torn tendons and ligaments of the ankle and knee. Injuries from being tackled hard at speed include fractures and sometimes concussion. Neck, shoulder, back and trunk injuries may also occur.