Rugby risks

Allyson Pollock professes to improve the health of our young ones by cutting out the stimulus that physical games such as rugby give (your report, 5 July).

Has she no conception of the importance the well-disciplined games of rugby gives to young boys? Of course there are mild knocks, and worse.

That is life. Have we grown so detached from reality that we do not let our young ones go out and enjoy themselves - at the risk of picking up injuries? High tackles are illegal, and are punished. Scrums provide boys - and men - a chance to bond and to release controlled aggression in the name of sport.

It is a form of catharsis which is enjoyed worldwide.

The safety of our children involves their exposure to reality.

ALASDAIR H MACINNES

Granton Road

Edinburgh