What position should I play?

Question
I have playe rugby for 3 years at hooker in my high school, but now I am in college and about to join the city team. I am not as heavy as I was when I first started playing (which was about 185-190). I am about 5'8 and 170-175, strong, was one of the fastest on my high school team, hard runner when I can get up to speed, good ball handling, but could use some work on passing to my right and kicking. My high school coach would never give me a chance to play back because he said he needed me in the srum to much, but now the team I am joining has a hooker and I know I'm to small to play forward. What position do you think I should play?

Answer
I think center would be a good option. Center is the "forward in the backline". It is a good position for a forward to get into the backline on. Your key task is to test the opposition defense and break the line. You need to have a quick pass to be able to stand in the tackle and off load to your flankers or supporting 1st 5, full back.

A center on attack tries to make space for the winger and supporting players so needs to be physical and yet still have the speed and ability to break the line and score.

On defense you will be tested in the same way. You will need to be able to tackle the usually large hard running center of the opposition. Because the opposition center will also be trying to off load to his support you will need to balance marking him with closing the distince on him to make a tackle without leaving a hole in your teams defensive line. A good smother tackle technique is also good to stop passes getting made.