Luke, try playing in the front row with no technique - it's much more important for forwards to have good technique than backs. It's harder for forwards, definitely, but also more fun. The action never stops, and you rarely find yourself waiting for a ruck or maul to finish to get involved.

I just started playing rugby in my local men's league and play forward. A few backs have approached me and said it's much tougher for forwards because it is so technical and physical at the same time. I tend to agree.

In the older days, Luke's explanation would hold true. Forwards are expected to bash &bulldoze their way forwards &do very little ball handling. Whilst the backs perform all the magical running &handling skills. But in the modern day game, where a more dynamic expansive type of game is played, the concept of ball carrying forwards is becoming imperative. Forwards nowadays not only need to have the strength &stamina &pushing techniques of the forwards of old, but must now also posesses the running &ball carrying skills of the backs. So yes, in the modern era, much more is demanded of the forwards. Even more so for the back row forwards given that they are the most mobile of the forward pack, &break off 1st from the scrum.

More Physically demanding for forwards definitely. Technique wise backs win it hands down.