RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 170, 6 April 1923, Page 8

RUGBY

Sir, —It seems to me that there is too 1 much stress laid on the practical side of Rugby and not enough on the theoretical and elementary principles of tho game. How many senior players know the mam rules of the game? Without a ' sound knowledge of the finer points, it is absurd to think of becoming a great player or even a heady one. Many players think they know enough about the game, and are quite open in showing their disapproval of any enthusiast who tries to teach them the tactics used by great players of the past. The players are not absolutely to blame; the coaches often impart the knowledge in an uninterested and disjointed fashion, no illustrations or blackboard diagrams being shown. The blackboard is a- valuable asset, and should be one of the first things instelled in the gymnasium. Why not hold weekly lectures and solicit the aid of those ex-nlayers who are ever ready to criticise the standard of play, and yet who -are too modest to offer their services? If illustrated lectures were given, a large majority of the prOsent-day players would possess a greater knowledge of the game which they now falsely credit themselves in possessing. Hoping that many genuine Rugby enthusiasts will further this necessary . agitation which I have attempted. I am, etc., KEEN PLAYER.