Dear Gilbert

Questions, dilemmas and occasional rugby-related chaos

Gilbert reads every letter — probably.

The letters. The advice. Make of it what you will..

• Celebrating against your old club

  Dear Gilbert — I scored against my old club and celebrated. Now I feel guilty. Was that rude?
  — Still Not Over It in Kent

  G says:
  No.

  You scored a try. You did not declare war.

  Your old club will survive. Your former teammates will survive. Their WhatsApp group, however, may need a little time.

  If they wanted you to be more restrained, they shouldn't have let you score.

  Celebrate the try. Shake hands afterwards.

  And don't apologise.

  — G

• Not understanding training shouts

  Dear Gilbert — I don't understand half the things people shout at training. I've been nodding and hoping for the best. Should I admit it?
  — Lost in Lancashire

  G says:
  Absolutely not.

  You've made it six months without anyone noticing. That's not failure. That's technique.

  The important thing is to look busy when everyone else looks busy.

  If someone shouts something you don't understand, run towards the nearest group and look determined.

  Eventually you'll work it out.

  Or you won't.

  Either way, stop nodding.

  It makes you look suspicious.

  — G

• Loving rugby but hating running

  Dear Gilbert — I love rugby but hate running. Have I made a terrible career choice?
  — More Scrum Than Sprint in Sussex

  G says:
  Possibly.

  Rugby does contain a surprising amount of running for a sport that also involves lying on the floor.

  The good news is that nobody actually enjoys running.

  They simply enjoy being the person who doesn't have to run quite as far as everyone else.

  Find your position. Learn where to stand. Make your tackles count.

  And if anyone suggests extra fitness work, suddenly become very good at helping with the kit.

  — G