London, May 1. IHERE is a large measure of agreement in the rugby world today that the scrummage laws of the Union code are in need of revision.
The present laws have been criticised for their ambiguity and imperfections not only in the Home country but in all the Dominions where the game is played.
I find a growing support among players in England for the suggestion that the rule on the vexed subject of hooking should be simplified on the lines of the rule laid down in Rugby League. This seems to me to be concise, easily understood and sufficiently comprehensive; moreover, it works. If the laws are to be changed, both players and referees should be consulted, and the. English Rugby Union should obtain the views of governing bodies in unanimity.
Those who object to Rugby Union borrowing ideas from Rugby League in any circumstances have been known to assert that the 13-a-side game is in a poor state in England. Admittedly there have been some unsatisfactory gates in the season just ended, but on the whole, in my impartial opinion, League supporters have little cause for complaint in the condition of their favourite sport.
Ray Markham, the wing three-quarter who came from Wollongong to play for Huddersfield, declared the other day that English teams were of better standard and played more open football than ever before. He thought the game had "improved wonderfully." Markham had in mind the club sides with whom he has come into contact. From a national point of view England is not exactly on top of the world. Australia and New Zealand must not be surprised if the team which visits them next year is comprised largely of Welshmen.
Sensation of the season, in international Rugby League, has been the improvement of France, where the code is making great strides. The French are looking forward to a visit from the New Zealand tourists next year, and to visiting Australia in 1942.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.