DUNCAN Macintyre (Letters, February 16) is quite correct concerning the dangers of concussion in rugby football. Another concern is the long-term damage suffered by many front row forwards on account of the pressure in scrums. Players are getting bigger and bigger as well as stronger, which only adds to the problem.

To improve the game and help to reduce injuries, the number of players in each team should be reduced to 13 (with a maximum of six in each scrum). It would make a far better game with more space for the backs. There will, of course, be howls of protest from this; some will suggest that this will make the game too much like rugby league (for which I have the greatest respect). This, of course, is nonsense. The game of rugby union will be played in exactly the same way as it is at present with scrums and line-outs and would have the same rules as it does at present.

I might add I suffered concussion quite regularly in my playing days before the damages of concussion was widely known. (Some of my acquaintances will no doubt say, “So that’s what’s the matter with him …”)

Colin M Guthrie,

5 Brora Drive, Bearsden.