The photo of Australia’s James Horwill after being punched by Imanol Harinordoquy (last week) marked a key difference between rugby union and football. While there is never an excuse for thuggish behaviour, rugby players climb to their feet and play on, while footballers put on Oscar-winning performances while trying to get opponents sent off.

Frank Parker, Newcastle

During my career as a forward and referee spanning more than 40 years, I understood protective aids, other than shinpads and scrum caps, could only be used to cover an injury. Watching the recent TriNations match, it was obvious several Springbok players were using shoulder pads, the most glaring being Bryan Habana. With the nonsensical ELVs, the game is moving ever closer to rugby league - are we also moving closer to American football?

Douglas Webster, Ermington, Devon

I agree with the remarks about American golf fans (Letters, last week) but at least they don’t applaud bad shots. The Andy Murray-Richard Gasquet match at Wimbledon was rendered unwatchable to my wife and I by the harridans at the tennis.

Martin Hall, Worksop

Laura Robson may have done more for tennis in this country than all the money thrown at Andy Murray, not because of her win, but because of her attitude when interviewed before and after the final. Let us hope the media leave her alone to develop.

Craig Leather, Whitley Bay

Nick Pitt is correct that ‘women’s tennis has gone back five years and more’ (last week), with two part-time players defeating a mediocre field and picking up the same money as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Patricia McGurk, Sterrebeek, Belgium

Andy Murray’s improved strength and fitness is obvious but still not enough if he is to become a serious tournament winner.

Ian Shepherd, Banbury, Oxfordshire

The Wimbledon men’s final restored my faith in the human condition, and highlighted the absurdity of equal prize-money.

Stan Labovitch, Windsor

I am concerned at the time Rafael Nadal takes between points and the way he keeps his opponent waiting at the start of new sets. The first smacks of gamesmanship, the second of arrogance.

Gavin Pike, Conwy

Why do Manchester United supporters always use the phrase ‘lifelong’ fan? Their credentials are usually as genuine as their Manchester postcode.

Laurie Sephton, via email

Many people scream for the number of foreign footballers to be regulated because it is affecting the development of British players. The answer is to ensure ‘home- grown’ talent is better than the foreigners by utilising better coaching.

Tom Tacker, Wrexham

Send your letters to: The Sports Editor The Sunday Times 1 Pennington Street London E98 1ST

email: sportletters@sunday-times.co.uk

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