LETTER : Shocking and short-sighted

From Dr Graham Shipley

Sir: The hasty decision by the Rugby Football Union to sack Will Carling, for a disrespectful remark apparently made off the record, and despite his prior apology, is not only shocking but confirms the very short-sighted and self-seeking attitudes that were the target of the television programme in question.

England's World Cup campaign is too important to be jeopardised to preserve the dignity of petty-minded men whose names we scarcely know.

Yours sincerely

GRAHAM SHIPLEY

Leicester

6 May