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Without scrums the game doesn’t work, insists Flatman

■By BEN JAYCOCK DAVID Flatman has hit back at rugby’s scrum critics and insists the set-piece remains one of the sport’s greatest spectacles and that the game “doesn’t work” without them. The former England and Bath prop believes the perception…

By The Rugby Paper Team · The Rugby Paper

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 2:59 AM

Key Things to Know

David Flatman insists rugby does not work without scrums and defended the set-piece against critics.
The former England and Bath prop argued that negative fan perceptions regarding scrums are exaggerated.
Flatman stated that rugby should focus on explaining the set-piece instead of changing it.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former England and Bath prop David Flatman has defended the role of scrums in rugby, arguing that the sport cannot function properly without them. Speaking to The Rugby Paper, Flatman insisted that the set-piece remains one of rugby union's greatest spectacles, pushing back against critics who complain about technical delays.

Flatman stated that claims regarding fans being frustrated by scrums, resets, and their complexity have been exaggerated. He urged rugby authorities to focus on explaining the intricacies of the set-piece to viewers rather than perpetually attempting to alter the rules.

Read the full article on The Rugby Paper

Without scrums the game doesn’t work, insists Flatman

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