Tackle rugby head on

RETIRED England rugby union footballer Ben Kay warns rugby might not exist in 50 years without commitment to improving player safety (Sportsmail). Collisions and confrontation must become a thing of the past. We need greater emphasis on speed, space and skill.

The number of players on the field should be reduced to 14 and time-wasting scrums abolished in favour of rugby league’s play the ball rule.

Fans want to see exciting tries like the Italian matchwinner in the Six Nations.

M. HIGHTON, Sunderland.

ONLY by accepting a faster, more open game over the heavy-impact version can the game survive and prosper.

This, of course, refers to rugby union. We already have a faster, more open version in the shape of rugby league.

STEPHEN GREGORY, Huddersfield, W. Yorks.