Should contested scrums be banned in Rugby Union?????

[Encephalin]

Hi

First let me introduce myself. I'm a 2nd year medical student at Manchester and am gathering some research on spinal injuries incurred during contested scrums.....ie during scrum engagement and collapse.

A leading consultant has written a review regarding this issue, which you can find at:

http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/conte.../332/7552/1281

It's a controversial topic and i'm just wondering what medics who play rugby think about contested scrums?

Should contested scrums be banned in light of the spinal injuries involved?

Or

Do you think they're a traditional component of rugby union and should stay?

I would really love to hear your views.

Also, i need some people to comment "on the record" about their opinions regarding this topic. Obviously i will not publish anyones name without their consent so rest assured of your anonymity! However for those who don't mind having their name published please let me know via PM and we'll take it from there.

PS The magazine in question is "trauma room", which you can find at:

www.traumaroom.com

So peeps, what are your views????

[indowelsh_amrit]

well this is a toughy. i play quite a bit of rugby and used to be prop until i actually hit the gym. my dad is a consultant orth surgeon so he knows his stuff.

imo, contested scrums are potentially extremely dangerous, the force of engagement and collapse can create undue stress which could lead to serious spinal injuries. my dad has always thought that contested scrums should be banned or at least given some measure to.

but, banning it takes away tradition. especially where there is a contest between pack weights and which pack has more driving power etc. banning it just would change how the game would be played in the front 8.

sooner or late i can see the rules changing slightly, not completely banning contested scrums, but rather putting a hold on how packs engage etc. its a hard topic and im quite suprised no one has commented yet!

[Huw Davies]

The tackle area causes many more injuries than the scrum: take the prop physique of the game and it becomes even more of an impact sport played by guys just as big but even faster and so harder-hitting. There's also the negative health impact on guys who are paced out of the game and don't get fit - there aren't many team sports out there where you can be a good player (and generally very sought-after) by being 5'10 and 16 stone.

Rugby is safer than horse-riding. As long as players know the risks, receive the best medical care and risk-protection possible, and don't play in the front row without adequate experience and training, it should be their choice.