Why do rugby players need speed?

Answer 1

As the main scoring requirement of both codes is the TRY

Its is therefore vital to get a player over the opposing try line - by balancing physical size with speed it provides the team with 2 options for achieving a try. A winger, classed as the fastest position on the field sprints against a heavy, physically strong forward the assumption is that the wing will win. By getting the ball to the fastest player its hoped to out run others to score a try and the higher points