From the Editor :

The IRB's decision to rubberstamp a global trial of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) has caused our readers much consternation - but there are also those who view the new laws in a positive light. Here are a few of your views on the matter....

In memory of the game of Rugby Union, died 1st May 2008, murdered by the Australians, betrayed by the IRB. Loved by all that knew it, will be wept for in its homeland. Its body will be burnt and the ashes sprinkled over the hallowed Twickenham turf.

- Chris Royals, UK

I think this is what rugby needs to keep it going at the forefront of world sport.

Referee's interpretation is killing the game as too many of the referee's in European rugby are to weak to control the game against side's with the big packs, with 7 forwards offside and no way of stopping it and the maul goes on for 10 minuets. Fans don't want to see 8 men in a heap they want to see attractive football.

Stop the rolling maul and make the game a spectacle of free flowing rugby and not that some whistle happy control freak of a referee who likes the sound of his own voice.

The English don't want to change any of the rules as it is the only way they know how to play the game. Pass the ball back into the 22 from the half way line and rolling mauls. If the English had their way rugby would be a 10 man team. 8 forwards and 2 half backs who could kick the leather off the ball.

- Lee Davies

Thank you for the insight into the game I loved, but now I am off to watch rugby league. At the end of the season I am going to game that union is trying to become.

Why on earth has rugby shot itself in the foot? Crowds in the N. Hemisphere on the up. Mmm another low turnout for S14 is it due to their simple rules and the fact that everyone will look like a back row player? League must be chuckling as rugby drives away a growing fan base to League.

Bristol to be the first team to have a league team outside London or the heartland of league? I now think the world cup should be reduced to 12 teams instead of 20 (which worked) as the amateur nations will not have the fitness to compete.

Less people will play outside the pro leagues as it is meant to be fun not just a fitness test! I thought collapsing a maul was meant to be dangerous? Any other sport to watch beside rugby? Thank you and goodbye.

- Tom Spaight, UK

For what it's worth what we should really be afraid of, is the All or Nothing Position.

It's clear cut, easy to say and easy to hold and requires no thought at all. The other side are variously, a bunch of antipodean marketing men with dollar signs for eyes, or a crowd of arrogant little Englanders who still think they run the world. Easy. Stop thinking everyone - please, it'll make it all so much easier. One side smiles and cheers (they're the good guys) and the other lot boo and hiss (they're the bad ones). In the mean time, we'll just do what we want with the game anyway.

But that's not fair either because the IRB are no more the Devil than we are. They have their agenda and their priorities, and lord knows they're trying to grow the game. What would be helpful is for each change to considered on it's own merits and not as a bundle. Some the things I've seen are good, others not so, which is why you try things. Take what works and what is acceptable and dump the rest. There's 3 parts to that last, and it would help a lot if everyone took that on board.

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