What is Rugby?

This article from Wikipedia discusses Rugby Union, of which the CSULB Rugby team plays.

Team positions: Number 8

Number eight is the only position that does not have a specific name and is simply referred to as 'the number eight'. The modern number eight has the physical strength of a forward along with the skill of a back. The number eight packs down at the rear of the scrum, controlling the movement and feeding the ball to the scrum-half. The number 8 is the position where the ball enters the backline from the scrum and hence both fly half and inside centre take their role from the number 8 who as the hindmost player in the scrum can elect to pick and run with the ball like a back. As a result the number 8 has the opportunities as a back to run from set plays.

They are normally tall and athletic and used as an option to win the ball from the back of the lineout. Like flankers they do less of the pushing than locks or props, but need to be quick to cover opposition half-backs. A number eight should be a key ball winner in broken play, and occasionally a 'battering ram' at the front of rucks.

Notable number eights include Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand), Simon Taylor (Scotland and British and Irish Lions), Wayne Shelford (New Zealand), Toutai Kefu (Australia), Gary Teichmann (South Africa), Lawrence Dallaglio (England and Lions), Dean Richards (England and Lions), Mervyn Davies (Wales and Lions), Scott Quinnell (Wales and Lions), Victor Costello (Ireland), Anthony Foley (Ireland and Lions) and Imanol Harinordoquy (France).

Some back-row players are versatile enough to play either of the flanker positions or at number 8; one notable example is Joe van Niekerk (South Africa).

Even more versatile players in this vein are Michael Owen (Wales and Lions) and Martin Corry (England and Lions), who normally play number 8, but also frequently play at both flanker positions, and have even successfully played at lock. David Wallace (Ireland and Lions) is one of the few players who has expierience playing at number 8, both flankers, centre and even on the wing at club level for Munster.