Sports Letters: Head-hunting blight

Sir: I write as one of 'yesterday's men', the Bob Weighill generation.

Obviously money must not be paid 'for turning out' as it were. Top-line rugby union players in my day were welcome - playing for Bristol as a Wells theological student, and Rosslyn Park at Sale in war-time Navy days. The initiative was with the player.

Once men are 'head-hunted', then the situation becomes different. Even granted the pressure of leagues, the initiative must remain with the individual, it seems to me.

Making it 'worthwhile', in material terms, seems to me to be something quite different. (I wish that the lads did not assume a fee for speaking at club dinners])

Greetings,

CANON GERALD HOLLIS

Salisbury, Wilts