'I'll probably get in **** for that' - Wallabies 'waterboy' latest to draw fire

Wallabies scrum coach Petrus du Plessis surmised that he might be in trouble after he become the latest waterboy to be involved in a minor incident on the side of the pitch.

Scotland stand-off Finn Russell had to shove the outsized waterboy out of the way when he went to retrieve a ball on the sideline during Scotland’s Autumn Nations Series game with Australia. Du Plessis let out a yelp after getting a shove from Russell with the advertising boards in sight but could later be heard on live stream saying: “I’ll probably get in s*** for that”

Former Saracens teammate and friend Jim Hamilton tweeted the retired prop: ‘ “I’ll probably get in shit for that” Only for the dive and scream.’

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.@PetrusduPlessis “I’ll probably get in shit for that”

Only for the dive and scream. #SCOvAUS

— Jim Hamilton (Vice Captain) (@jimhamilton4) November 7, 2021

The South African-born prop has been credited with turning the Wallabies’ scrummaging from Test level whipping boys into one of the sport’s best.

Finn sorting these water boys out. ? #SCOvAUS pic.twitter.com/Ei4YnnXR1p

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 8, 2021

Although the cameo was more humourous than anything else, his interaction is the latest sideline staff incident at the top level of the sport, with Springboks Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus during the British & Irish Lions tour and an incident involving his replacement at the Rugby Championship making headlines.

Wasps’ waterboy was recently involved with a scuffle in the Ricoh Arena with Exeter Chiefs and England centre Henry Slade, while just last week Bath’s kit man was punished for comments he made to the referee.

Kit manager Steve Middleton accepted an RFU charge and was given a one-match suspension by an independent disciplinary panel, preventing him from attending this weekend’s game. Middleton also needs to deliver a presentation to the non-playing members of staff at Bath on the need to uphold standards and the core values of the game by December 2.

The RFU said: “There is a growing problem with the conduct of non-playing personnel and disciplinary panels will not hesitate in taking strong action to combat this.”