SIR – Millions of fans have been watching their team in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

England, with a flood of tries. Ireland’s O’Gara the top kicker. Scotland with the tallest player. Wales beating the twice world-beaters. But the favourites are the All Blacks with their frightening Haka!

But there wouldn’t have been a Rugby World Cup if Captain Cook RN had not discovered it and all the other islands with his crew on the HM Bark Endeavour.

And there wouldn’t be rugby if Webb Ellis hadn’t picked up the ball and run with it under his arm at Rugby School all those years ago.

We watch the Rugby World Cup on digital television, Sky Sports 1, 2 and 3. Rugby, football, cricket, and Channel 4 for racing too.

But if it hadn’t been for Ian Baird inventing the television, there would be no television or Sky Sports.

Michael John Hopkinson, Windsor Court, Swarlands Grove, Bradford