Howe of Fife’s important community role

Sir, - I write in a personal capacity as a member of Howe of Fife RFC for more than 50 years .

Like all Howe supporters, I am dismayed by what has happened to the club’s reputation with its good name and those of some key members being denigrated all over local and national media .

Obscene initiations seem to have found their way into rugby all over the UK, with the RFU announcing a crackdown on the practice, which seems to have its origins at university clubs in England .

It looks as if the Howe incident happened at time when the SRU had decided to bring the hammer down.

There is absolutely nothing which can be said to defend what happened. It was appalling but I won’t be the only person who is a bit uncomfortable with aspects of the media exposure given to officials who operate on a totally voluntary, unpaid basis for the benefit of others in amateur sport.

Gary Horne played a key role in making Howe the most prolific hatchery of rugby talent in Scotland .

Murdo Fraser drove a project which has seen the Howe facilities at Duffus Park in Cupar become some of the best in Scotland .

I understand that the club has to express shame and contrition but it is a club with a big heart and great resolve. The game has to go on. Andrew Duncan. Upper Largo.

Duffus Park, Cupar, home to Howe of Fife Rugby Club.