Rugby union should ban contested scrums: Technique is important

doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7554.1391-a

BMJ 2006;332:1391 (10 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7554.1391-a

Letter

Rugby union should ban contested scrums

Technique is important

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

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.¹From an early age I was taught the correct positioning of myfeet, legs, neck, and back. Throughout my amateur career I keptcomparatively fit and as a nurse never experienced any backproblems, 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 andto remove its competitive edge would turn the game into onethat 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 . . . [Full text of this article]

Robert W Standfield, NHS manager

National Practitioner Programme, South West London Improvement Academy, Hollyfield House, Surbiton KT5 9AL Robert.standfield@swlia.nhs.uk