All these matches are killing the game, says Wood

Friday 6 November 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > Ireland

Ireland legend Keith Wood has waded into the argument over the number of matches professional rugby players are expected to play, suggesting that the game in its current form is unsustainable.

Writing for the Daily Telegraph, he argued that men are being bred for power, 50 minutes of high-impact play before being substituted becoming the norm - making endurance a thing of the past.

And why is this trend emerging? Money - more games mean more ticket sales.

The Raging Potato blames extra matches for the injury problems plaguing the northern hemisphere, with the Lions tour being closely followed by the resumption of domestic and European competitions.

But rugby's popularity has been rapidly rising in recent years, thanks in part to the physical intensity professionalism has brought.

Could Wood's call for this to be watered down turn fans off, or is he right to suggest the game will be more interesting if it is focused on 15 players building a strategy for 80 minutes, rather than limping off after 50?