Rolling substitutes already work well at grassroots level

I HAVE to disagree with Nick Cain’s view on rolling subtitutes, as the practice has been used successfully in the grassroots game for a number of years.

I believe that this could be an opportunity to reduce the number of replacements from half a team (seven) to four if introduced in the professional game, with ten interchanges.

If managed correctly it could strengthen the Championship and the leagues below as bit part players could be dual registered and get match fitness playing every week.

It would improve the standards throughout the game while removing the ability to replace a whole pack in the final quarter of the game thus making the game an even playing field across all nations.

Contrary to Mr Cain’s view about the fitness of the players with seven replacements, you are actually promoting so called special teams.

By reducing the numbers you remove that weapon and games will open up during the final stages leading to more exciting rugby rather than battles of attrition. MARTIN W TOWNSEND DOR Old Centralians RFC, Glos

ROLLING substitutes are used in the lower leagues and allow all the players to get a bit of game time and front row players to have a breather.

There is no reason they wouldn’t work in the Premiership.

Teams already value versatile players who can cover the front row or a utility back. If there were fewer subtitutes, but rolling substitutions, skilful players like these would be at a premium.

S MARLOW-RIDLEY Hinckley