Ten ways to improve international rugby, according to Telegraph readers

Rugby union has been in the docks recently over a perceived lack of entertainment: too much kicking, not enough creativity, and not enough speed.

After our team of experts spoke out on Monday about what they would tweak or change to make the game more exciting, we have picked out the ten best suggestions from our readership. While banning caterpillar rucks, reducing the amount of replacements, and sorting out scrums were all common themes, there are some interesting ideas included in the ten proposals below.

Think we have missed something? Let us know in the comments below.

Reduce place-kicking time limit

Cut the time taken by the place kickers especially with regard to penalties. Penalties must be kicked within 30 seconds of the decision to kick. Conversions similarly. This will reduce the ridiculous time-wasting that goes on around kick time.

Chris Moore

After 45 seconds of a penalty being awarded... it's game on

The moment a penalty (or try) is awarded, the team taking the penalty has 45 seconds to decide what to do and do it. After 45 seconds the defending team can advance and attack the ball and play resumes. I believe basketball has a time limit for possession during which a shot at the hoop must be made otherwise possession is turned over.

Peter Fowler

Increase the pitch size

I know it would be practically difficult. But what are the thoughts on a bigger pitch versus reducing the number of players to 13 or 14?

James Buchanan

Limit size of coaching staff

Restrict the number of coaches to two - head coach and attack coach. If players don't know how to tackle, kick penalties/conversions, scrummage and call lineouts after playing the game for ten years then they shouldn't be professional rugby players.

D Husband

Bring back rucking

Start by reintroducing rucking to speed the game up, thereby rendering jackallers superfluous.

J Stubley

Stop the clock for scrums

Stop the clock when there is a scrum and restart when the props engage.

Jonathan Salter

Drop-kick all penalties

What about making all penalties at goal drop kicks? It would speed things up and also reduce the range from which players can comfortably hit the target, making them less likely, especially from distance or out wide.

Antoni Domanski

Do away with close-range penalty kicks to touch

When a penalty is given close to the defensive line, remove the necessity to kick it out for the ensuing line-out.  Have the attacking team simply elect a lineout at the five-metre line.  It will save time and make both sides move faster into position.

Mark Williams

Abolish the 'mark'

Get rid of 'calling the mark'. Rugby has too many stoppages without giving a free one.

Jeremy Williams

Weight limit in a matchday 23

Have an overall weight limit for each team. If a team has a big pack then it must pick smaller backs and vice versa. This might encourage the smaller, nippier type of back and perhaps we would see less of the crash-ball tactics.

William Morgan