[Wally]

First of all, I hope Tommy is recuperating well - as previously stated - no one wants anyone to suffer any injuries playing this game.

That being said, sometimes injuries occur in this game (god knows I've had way more than my share of them!).

Burnro, the tackle in question was by no means a "two-footed, studs-up, over-the-top challenge". I know you weren't there to see the game and are relying on what information is passed on. The contact was shin on shin, the difference being one was vertical, one was horizontal. (His foot did actually play the ball). The outcome of the tackle was worse than could have been expected. It was not a pre-meditated attack as has been possibly suggested.

I'd also like to add that sometimes a player's reputation can cloud people's judgements of incidents. IMO, I don't think that anyone should consider this as anything more than an unfortunate outcome of a hard challenge for the ball.

As a long time player with RUFC, I have enjoyed the opportunity to play with and against several CI players, and the rivalry has always been present. I think both clubs like to beat each other by playing better football than the other team. I sincerely hope that rivalry continues with clubs trying to outperform each other through their playing abilities and not degenerate into a kick fest over an unfortunate injury.