'I'd have said a firm 'no' in his position' - Flatman applauds prop for refusing to play hooker

Former England prop David Flatman has applauded a fellow frontrower for refusing to play at hooker, despite the suggestion from his team manager.

Wasps loosehead Tom West refused to scrummage at hooker when asked by referee Wayne Barnes, after both of his side’s available hookers were injured.

? A fascinating listen…

Here is exactly what happened when Wayne Barnes asked Tom West if he was happy to safely scrum at hooker for Wasps ?

Players' safety always comes first ?#GPTonight pic.twitter.com/R8S8fhNA5Q

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) August 31, 2020

Flatman, who has turned his hand to commentating and analysis since ending his career, suggested West had made the right decision, a decision he would have made himself.

The Tight Five – Rugby Ruckus – Episode 9

The Tight Five – Rugby Ruckus – Episode 9

“Wasps doctor [later clarified as team manager] says West the prop happy to switch to hooker after both selected hookers get injured. When asked by the ref, West says he isn’t comfortable after all. Very odd situation…”

Wasps doctor days West the prop happy to switch to hooker after both selected hookers get injured. When asked by the ref, West says he isn’t comfortable after all. Very odd situation… ?

— David Flatman (@davidflatman) August 31, 2020

Flatman was asked had he been placed in a similar situation and what his response was/would have been.

No and no. I’d have said a firm ‘no’ in his position.

— David Flatman (@davidflatman) August 31, 2020

In the replies, one Tweeter was asked when the positions had become so specialised, and was quickly shot down by current England and Leicester Tigers prop Ellis Genge, who responded: “I just can’t believe you’ve said that”

I just can’t believe you’ve said that ?

— Gengey (@EllisGenge) August 31, 2020

With the increasing size of rugby players and an understanding of the severe risks posed and gigantic forces involved in playing in the front row, many agreed with Flatman’s observation and support for West. Others chipped in with their own stories of refusing to play hooker, or circumstances in which they had objected to others switching position.

One man tweeted: “Popped two discs filling in at hooker from the back row at 18 years old. Didn’t have a clue what I was doing and lucky it wasn’t worse. Effectively ended my rugby career before it began.”

Popped two discs filling in at hooker from the back row at 18 years old. Didn’t have a clue what I was doing and lucky it wasn’t worse. Effectively ended my rugby career before it began. ?

— Chris Green (@DrChrisGreen) August 31, 2020

Another posted that he had stepped in when a young teammate was about to be put in against a grizzled veteran.

“I got into a raging argument with the opposition players yrs ago in Norway, we lost 2 props and the only player left on the bench was a 16yr old playing his first game ever. I refused to let him scrummage against a 35yr Scottish behemoth. Almost came to blows. Ref took my side”.

I got into a raging argument with the opposition players yrs ago in Norway, we lost 2 props and the only player left on the bench was a 16yr old playing his first game ever. I refused to let him scrummage against a 35yr scottish behemoth. Almost came to blows. Ref took my side

— David O'Brien ???? (@DavidOB94779193) August 31, 2020

Scrummaging is widely considering to be one of the most potentially dangerous pursuits in the game, although severe injuries are thankfully rare. Injuries sustained following circumstances in which players played out of position in the scrum have resulted in civil cases, with referees being held to account.