Should I change position because Im playing with older players?

Question
Sorry my subject title doesn't make much sense-It'll take a while to explain.

I'm 15, have been playing various forms of rugby since 4, and I live in England (But I am Irish and lived there until I was 12).

Currently I play for a club side in the under 16 age group as a second row-despite not being that tall (Only 5'11). This is because the rest of my team (apart from the other lock) are small, so I'm big compared to them.

However at school there is only 1 team, and they're under 18's. I've been told I'm too short to play lock. After telling them (the school rugby captain and school rugby coach) that I played 6 and 8 when I was younger they said I was too small (both in terms of height and physical build) to play in either position. They suggested I should play at either 7, or in the back 3 (11, 14 and 15) because I'm quite quick. However I have only played wing twice, and never 15 or 7. I don't think I can combine playing second row for my club with playing as a winger/fullback for my school. (Also I don't want to play fullback at all).

Firstly I want to know if the skills required for a 7 are similar to those required for a second row, and also you're advice on whether I should change my position.

Finally do you have any advice for "bulking up" so I could increase my chances of selection at 6 or 8.

Thanks

Eoin


Answer
Hi Eoin,

Sorry it has taken so long to get to you.

If you coach will put you in the starting line up if you play at 7 then I say play at 7. If you want to dig your toes in and stay at lock but ride the bench all season it seems not make much sense.

Playing number 7 requires that you are very fit and have good ball skills. in the dozen or so emails prior to this I have answered many quiestions about playing flanker I advise you to read though them and any answer I have done regarding tackling.

As 7 you will need to put pressure on the opposition halfback and inside back line by being quick off the mark at scrum time. You will want to get with your scrum half and #8 to figure out some moves off the back of the scrum and lineout also.

in the field of play your job is to hunt the ball, tackle steal rob the ball off the opposition anyway you can. Stay on your feet and really go for turning over possesion. Get creative, flanker allows this.

As for bulking up at your age I personally do not suggest heavy weights. Push ups, pull ups, crunches, lunges. Get your coach or a gym trainer to work out a custom program for you.