To scrum or not to scrum

The council of the International rugby board has approved amendments to the scrum laws in November 2006. The intention is to have in place more policing of the safety of the scrum and more specifically the front rows.

To scrum or not to scrum has been an issue that is being debated in rugby circles. This question is being asked once again and the strengthening of the engagement laws at the scrum has become important.

Persons who are knowledgeable and are partners of the game have on many occasions voiced concern on the safety aspects at the scrum. The negligence of safety aspects is what has lead to injuries and has given rise to the doubt on continuing the scrum. It is this that has lead to the Governing body strengthening the laws of the scrum in the recent past. The more it is strengthened the greater will be the comfort for those who opt to play in the front row.

It has to accepted that the team that dominates the scrum often dominate the match and thus end up being the victorious side. This has been understood by most in the rugby fraternity and there has been continued emphasis to improve the process as well as to develop strong forwards. The removal of the process of scrumming will alter the game to such an extent that the game will not be the same. Therefore there has been emphasis in the laws to increase safety, at all levels of the game. The current amendment is one such that is expects to improve the engagement process-- so that more safety will be the outcome. Accidents do happen but the frequency of happening is small as compared to the numbers who play the game. Even if that one or the infrequent injury can be avoided the game will be served better.

The scrum will for all purposes continue to be part of the game and will be a foremost force for most teams. In Asia too there will not be any difference. Sri Lanka which aims to be among the top rung in Asia will have to improve this aspect of the game as they expect to stay alive at the top.

This would require for the young to be exposed to the intensive and rigorous aspects of the scrum. They will have to develop the technical and physical aspects and have to undergo training that would develop the necessary neck and shoulder strength and tactical know-how to cope with the harder aspects of the game. You will never be able to eradicate neck injuries from the scrum completely but you can reduce the likelihood of them occurring and in this instance, rugby as a whole is taking its responsibilities seriously. The seriousness is such that the laws are modified and or suitably amended to improve the safety aspects.

Development of this aspect of the game must be from the schoolboy level. It need to be improved and cannot be left for development when players reach the club stage. The importance of safety is crucial and a question that has to be asked is at what leave of rugby playing are we to introduce scrums. Will it be too risky at the mini rugby level? It may be that at this stage the student should be is introduced more to the flow and the feel of the game. The introduction of scrums can be without the push as well as the scrum being uncontested.

There is also the need for the teams not to try untrained persons in the front row. Even at practice sessions one has to avoid playing persons not exposed to the physical aspect of the scrum. These are specialized positions and people have to be trained for such situation.

The on field scrum is virtually at a halt with only the schools team expected to take wing to Chinese Taipei. They will take part in the Junior Asiad.

Off the field the front rows are down and the two contestants for the post of President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union are in the middle. The props that support each of the men in the middle will decide the winner. The props are those who have a vote and come from the Provincial Unions. The other forwards are the office bearers who have a vote. Who will be able to hook the ball to his side will be known in due course. There is a lot being said and offered as reported in the press. Contest is a healthy sign of democracy and may rugby be the final winner.