Is TV ruining rugby as a spectator sport?

I AGREE that a major problem with rugby union and rugby league is the scrums (Letters). The main man on the field used to be the hooker, since without the ball you couldn’t function. But now the scrum-half is allowed to put the ball into the second row so the hooker is redundant. This makes a complete farce of the scrums. JOHN COWLEY, Whitehaven, Cumbria.

RUGBY is getting too much like football. The practice of attempting to force the opposing team to concede a penalty should be outlawed because it’s slowing down the game. Give a lifetime stadium ban to the idiots who insist on tootling away on trumpets. This awful noise has me reaching for the TV ‘off’ button.

PETE WILLIAMS, Hayes, Middlesex.

RUGBY is no longer played as it used to be when my father learned the rules in the Army cadets in the 1940s. He stuck to them during his long years of playing the game and in later years as a referee. He would be sad to see the demise of his beloved sport.

BEVERLY BIGMORE, Brackley, Northants.

I FULLY concur with the view rugby is being ruined as a spectator sport. Televised rugby matches are full of pundits, analysis, video refs — when the ref on the field with his linesmen should be the decision makers — inappropriate substitutions, kicking tees and water boys. Oh, how I wish for a commentator who could add to the enjoyment of the game.

ROB JOHNSON, address supplied.

I THINK televised matches are ruined by the repeated showing of every try, scrum and set piece. This is to the extent that by the time coverage returns to the live action, the game has moved on. Why do former players who commentate feel the need to analyse every second? They should wait until the end and let us enjoy the game live.

J. HIGHGATE, Little Marlow, Bucks.