Fresh calls to get rid of the caterpillar ruck

HARTPURY'S director of rugby John Barnes has called for the eradication of the caterpillar ruck and for scrums to be left alone as part of any future rule changes by World Rugby.

- LUKE JARMYN

The sport's governing body has come under heavy criticism for the increasing array of law changes its initiated in recent years.

Over the last three years more than 20 laws of the game have been changed, and from the July 1 a further three new law changes will come into effect, while another six are set to be trialled in U20s competitions.

Hartpury boss Barnes, whose side finished fifth in this season's Championship, is in a unique position with the club's university set-up heav ily involved in BUCS, U20 and age-grade rugby, meaning they're on the front line with any changes or ongoing trials.

The 46-year-old believes that while it's correct for World Rugby to work to ensure the game "remains fluid", it also needs to "strike a careful balance in any changes".