Shoulder Pads

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28992, 5 September 1959, Page 3

Shoulder Pads

Sir, —Thanks are due to “Tha Press” for giving publicity to the shoulder pads question and unnecessarily vigorous play. No other team has taken the field with seven players wearing pads. This could facilitate “tough” play without hurt to the wearer. The All Blacks’ reputation will smell unpleasantly if the present tactics are continued. It is up to the Rugby unions to take some action, but will they?—Yours, etc., UNCLE WILLIE. September 4, 1959.

Sir, —I feel I must hasten to support “Collarbone,” who, I am sure, like myself, is the devoted mother of 10, in her campaign for safer football. But why stop at shoulder-pads? Surely a complete suit of chain mail is the answer. The clash of armour in the scrums will recall the stirring days of chivalry, while the husband and father will be resonably safe from suffering mayhem so severe as to reduce his earning capacity. As an alternative, why do we not specialise in a game of skill, judgment, and finesse equal to that required on the Rugby field? I shall be happy to lend my long years of supremacy in this health-giving pastime to -all potential enthusiasts, and herewith subscribe myself.— Yours, etc., SPILLIKINS EXPERT. September 4, 1959.