Letter: Sevens' expertise

Sir: I must take issue with Alan Watkins' column 'United in spite of the Union' (20 April). I have known Jim Rosenthal ('who does not appear to number the handling code among his areas of expertise') since the 70s and respect him as an all-round broadcasting journalist. Rugby aficionados may remember the superb 'Oval Globe' programmes he fronted prior to the last 15- a-side World Cup. Regarding Steve Smith ('I have doubts about the value of Smith as a sevens expert'), he was the scrum-half in the English winning seven in 1973, so one assumes he has some expertise.

Yours sincerely,

BARRY LANKESTER

Hall Green, Birmingham

23 April