Better rugby

SIR – I am a lifelong rugby union fan, but in the last few years I have been swayed towards rugby league in order to enjoy consistently open and expansive play.

Union has taken many leaves from the league book, but may I suggest it takes one more? If the defending team had to retire 10 metres from the ruck or maul, rather than just behind the back foot, the attacking side would have a positive advantage instead of running into a defensive brick wall, more often that not on their own side of the gain line.

I have enjoyed the Six Nations so far this season, but witnessing umpteen phases of ruck and maul with little forward progress still makes my blood boil. Neil Hassell

Cambridge