11 JULY 1998, Page 24

Rugby union

Sir: I am proud to be quoted in Raymond Keene's admirably sane defence of exercis- ing the brain rather than brawn (Don't get too physical', 27 June), just as I am proud that, as a contemporary of his at Dulwich College, I was once obliged to join him in wasting our time in a game of rugby. No amount of exhortation could make us feign the least enthusiasm for participating in the sport we both loathed, so we — and other passive resisters — were ordered to run round the pitch instead: a more enjoyable punishment, even if exercise. At least, that is how I recall the event, but then I am los- ing my marbles.

Gavin Stamp

One Moray Place, Strathbungo, Glasgow