Rugby union should ban contested scrums

Editor—As a retired front-row forward of over 30 years' playing experience in Wales and England I never experienced, or witnessed, any type of injury as described in Bourke's article.¹ From an early age I was taught the correct positioning of my feet, legs, neck, and back. Throughout my amateur career I kept comparatively fit and as a nurse never experienced any back problems, even before the current “no lifting” environment. I firmly believe that my sport allowed me to lift correctly, without putting any undue strain on my back.

The scrum in rugby union allows players of different shapes (tall and thin, fat and short) to participate in the game and to remove its competitive edge would turn the game into one that would severely restrict the attraction to many young people. Scrummaging was what I did well (I was very, very good at it) and what got me into many teams that normally wouldn't have touched me as I wasn't a speed merchant or particularly good in open play. I hated uncontested scrums, and I am sure that if you polled front-row forwards they would say exactly the same. We know the risks and are mindful of these when competing.