Room 101: Rob Rowlinson – former Leeds hooker
I’m not a fan of the “crouch, bind, set” scrum engagement sequence that is currently being trialled across the globe. I think the problems with the old engagement laws have been blown way out of all proportion. My worry is that by taking away the hit at the engagement the scrum is being depowered and it will become more of a means of re-starting the game than a contest for possession. One upside, though, is that it will see hookers hooking the ball again (as long as the ball is fed in straight). Back in the day, when I first started out with Orrell and then Leeds, I used to have to hook the ball a lot more than in the latter stages of my career and I can tell you it hurts. Some of the younger hookers will feel pressure on their body like they’ve never felt before!
TRP verdict: Sorry, but anything that can help stop the plague of re-set scrums must be good. You’re out
2. Impatient drivers
Due to my role as director of rugby at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, (in term time) I make around five cross-Pennine journeys from my home near Rochdale to the outskirts of York every week, so I’m a hardened commuter and consequently very aware of people’s driving habits. The lack of courtesy on the roads now is terrible, with people concentrating more on getting where they need to be in a hurry rather than showing any respect for other road users. Very few people acknowledge you if you let them into a queue and very few will return the favour if you’re the one trying to join a busy road. It saddens me how people act like this.
TRP verdict: Park yourself into Room 101
3. Reality TV
When Big Brother first came onto the scene I, like millions of other people, tuned in to watch purely out of curiosity. I’d hasten to add that it didn’t take long for me to reach for the remote and change channels! What is this programme all about other than giving nobodies with huge egos air time? I can’t believe it’s now in its 14th year. Just seeing it appear in the TV listings makes me mad! I’m a Celebrity get me Out of Here comes a close second in the list of pointless programmes. Why do these C-list celebs go on the show if all they do is complain about it when they’re out there? Give me strength!
TRP verdict: It’s a no brainer, you’re in again
