Crossword Genius

Rugby halfback is hard, unfriendly (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

standoffish

'unfriendly' is the definition.
('standoffish' can be a synonym of 'unfriendly')

'rugby halfback is hard' is the wordplay.
'rugby halfback' becomes 'standoff' (I've seen this before).
'hard' becomes 'h'.
'standoff'+'is'+'h'='STANDOFFISH'

(Other definitions for standoffish that I've seen before include "Reserved, aloof" , "Unfriendly" , "like a half of rugby?" , "Distant" , "Cold" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app