Will Collier, the 34-year-old Castres Olympique tighthead prop, renowned for his scrummaging power and his experience at club level and with England, has picked up his pen in the columns of the Times to defend a phase of play sometimes judged too dangerous or outdated by the governing bodies. In his piece, the former Harlequins player argues that the scrum is a “beating heart” of rugby union and makes the case for preserving it and valuing its technical side.

According to Collier, the scrum today faces being judged on appearances and regulatory decisions that could reduce its importance in international competitions and domestic leagues. He believes that scrapping or gradually weakening this phase would risk impoverishing the game, erasing one of the elements that make rugby different from other team sports.

The Castres prop, known for his physical commitment and his sharp understanding of the inner workings of the scrum, also talks about the need to educate the public so that it better understands the technique and the drama of this phase. He cites historic figures of the game and compares the attention paid to the scrum with the attention other disciplines, such as mixed martial arts, manage to generate among spectators.

For a rugby more respectful of its traditions

This initiative, a rare one for a front-row player, comes at a time when world rugby is debating the balance between spectacle, player safety and preserving the fundamentals of the sport. In France, discussions about phases of play and the laws continue to stir clubs and supporters, particularly in the context of the Top 14 where scrum performance often remains a key factor in attacking dominance.

Will Collier has extended his contract with Castres until 2027 and intends to carry on, beyond the pitch, with this intellectual fight for a rugby more respectful of its traditions.