Black Days For Rugby

Sir, - I wish to agree with Conor Sexton's views on the "new" game of Rugby Union as expressed in his letter (November 21st).

Sir, - I wish to agree with Conor Sexton's views on the "new" game of Rugby Union as expressed in his letter (November 21st).

Since reading his letter I have watched several other games both at home and in England. These games have convinced me that the new game has indeed, become a monotonous, continuous possession clone of Rugby League with the added ignominy of the team being scored against having to kick back the ball to the possessors which restarts the whole cycle again.

If this continues, the following words can be erased from the Rugby Union vocabulary - "guile", "tact", "swerve", "grubber", "strike against head", "leap" and "surprise". The game is now one of power, speed, support and control being a product of the new professionalism but I fear that this may not be sufficient to maintain the interest and support of existing followers of the game.

Importantly, however, will this new game provide the enjoyment and entertainment to the players and spectators? I for one, along with Conor Sexton, have my doubts. - Yours, etc.,

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From Robin Brophy

Millview Lawns, Malahide, Co Dublin.