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Rassie Erasmus has tweeted his reply to World Rugby water boy ban

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

South African director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has taken to Twitter to post a seemingly tongue-in-cheek response to the decision by World Rugby to ban directors of rugby and head coaches from running water onto the pitch to their team. 

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Erasmus courted controversy when he acted as a water boy during the Springboks’ Test series versus the Lions last year and again during some of their recent Autumn Nations Series matches. 

It brought into sharp focus the numbers of non-playing personnel entering the field of play and World Rugby have now acted in the hope that the law trial they are introducing from July 1 will result in games having a better flow.  

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The Breakdown | Episode 13 | Sky Sport NZ

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The Breakdown | Episode 13 | Sky Sport NZ

In the section of the law trial covering additional personnel, the regulation now specifically states: “Water carriers cannot be a director of rugby or head coach.” This essentially will put an end to Erasmus coming onto the field of play as he so often did in 2021.  

Or maybe not, judging by his tweet in response to the story of the law trial. “Was just talking to my line manager yesterday!! She also thought ‘Director of Rugby’ has such a formal ring to it! We agreed that Director of coaching will be a so much better title for me! Lekka!! Can’t wait.”

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A World Rugby statement introducing the law trial read: “The World Rugby council has approved a global trial limiting the opportunity for non-playing personnel to enter the field of play during a match. Operational for all competitions and stand-alone matches starting after July 1, 2022, the trial aims to improve the flow of matches by reducing unnecessary stoppages without compromising welfare.

“The trial follows an extensive review by the international federation of the current elite rugby environment, including research into player hydration needs, and increasing disruption to play caused by multiple water carriers entering the field of play every time there is a stoppage.”

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DP 913 days ago

lol! bunch of arrogant twats, easily sidestepped - like Kolbe against Farrell, Billy V, and Liam Williams.. Rassie sidestepping the Poms at WR with the same ease. Time to jettison Gilpin and the relic Beaumont from the top table.

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CO 32 minutes ago
Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next

I cannot believe that you don't think the French rugby team coach and captain are not discussing putting Jalibert on the bench in favour of Duponts club teammate that doesn't even play at 10.


This is a terrible, massive insult to a 10 and I'm sure Dupont would also be very enraged if benched for a player that doesn't even play halfback.


A good captain would've insisted to the coach that it was an idea of madness and either select Jalibert or replace him with another 10 if you want him to be reserve.


Jalibert may not be the world's finest tacklers but that's often not a tens main strength that the loose forwards and second five cover. An intercept pass is never great but they happen.


When any player is playing for his club then it's club first, respect doesn't need to be shown to opposition players simply because they're internationals.


Who exactly are you claiming Jalibert hasn't respected? If it's Toulouse international players then it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this bench demotion out.


The outcome of selecting Jalibert to the bench and he then throwing his croissants out the window of the team bus immediately prior to playing the Allblacks is a disaster that will be team disharmony as any team mates of Jalibert are in a state of anger and revolt so a performance that will be sub optimal against a team that is thirsting for revenge against France.


I don't know about you but the Allblacks are very upset they've lost twice in a row to France and want to put out a statement performance so this preparation by Galthie of creating havoc looks to me like a coach that is clueless.

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