My size-8 man, lock, outside centre? AHH!

Question
Alright! Lets start off! I'm a female rugby player, 5'8 and about 125 lbs.
I started rugby last year as an outside centre and one game I had to end up filling in as flank, and I loved it. I'm very aggressive and am always the one to tackle, maul and ruck. This year I was made captain and was put in as eight and I absolutely LOVE it! I can pick and go and run just like a back and I can basically do everything, plus I'm the jumper in line outs.
Anyway! After school rugby ended this year, I joined the local senior women's rugby team where I was put as a lock. I hate it! I prefer to play WING rather than lock! I'm pretty sure they only put me there and not at eight because of my size, plus for  the lineouts. Right now I'm not really sure where I belong! I'm faster and in better shape than most of the backs, and I'm just as aggressive in the forwards.
Do you think my size actually affects me playing eight? Should I go back to outside centre?

Answer
Hi Lee, good work so far on enjoying the game and getting made captain.

I have to be honest and admit that I am not too clued up on the average height of a female player. If 5'8 is considered too short I'd be surprised but I am just a silly boy and what do we know.

Any how, if you think they have you at lock because you are too tall then that isn't a good reason, a tall no.8 is a good thing. Maybe the current number 8 is just more seasoned than you. Club rugby can be a little political. You may have to announce your intentions to the coach that you want to play no. 8. Ask if there is a chance. If not find out what you can do to get a look in.

If you are not at no.8 because they say you are too short well that makes no sense because locks are supposed to be tall. If this is the case you might be dealing with a "different" style of coaching than I am used to. I would suggest moving back out to the backs if this is the case.

If the current no.8 is the reason you haven't walked into the position then you may have to prove yourself first. Play at lock in the mean time and get good at it. If the team goes on a tour or the local select side comes looking you will be a shoe-in as a utility player.

Lock can be fun if you can get into it. Take time to work with the props, communicate with them to improve your power to them in the scrum.

Practice and become good at the line out factor. These days a good lock is a powerful weapon in a team. One of my previous e-mails contains a link to a site about lineouts have a look for it. If you can't find it let me know I will dig it up.

It sounds like you are a good young player who may be going through the standard "finding yourself" phase that all players at your age go through. Eventually you will find your position and it may even be lock. Frankly play which ever position gets you the most game time - it is more fun that way.

Good luck and let my know how it goes.