Dylan Bettencourt
Rassie Erasmus will no longer be able to operate as a water carrier during Springbok matches as he infamously did during the British & Irish Lions tour last year.
World Rugby, the governing body of rugby union, have now designed a rule limiting backroom staff from entering the field and interfering with play, after the World Cup-winning coach’s actions were ruled as “out of hand”.
The Springboks exploited a loophole in the ruling as regulations indicated that only the head coach could not enter the field. Erasmus claimed that as he was the director of rugby and not the coach, he was allowed on the field.
World Rugby is set to announce a change to the wording of the rule to include all backroom staff and reduce the number of water breaks per half to two in an attempt to speed up the game, according to The Times.
The rule adjustments will also prevent physios shouting instructions during injuries, lineouts and conversations.
Following an incident between an England team doctor and team physio during a Six Nations encounter, any comments made to officials by staff that are not related to an injury will result in a penalty kick.
The new regulations will enter a trial phase from 1 July and are set to be used in the Women’s World Cup later this year, as well as the men’s World Cup next year.
World Rugby claims the goal with the new rules is to prevent delays during the game.
“We’re taking concrete action to improve the flow of rugby matches,” said Mark Harrington, World Rugby’s chief player welfare and rugby services officer.
“This will be the first-time teams on the field of play could be sanctioned by the actions of those not directly involved in the contest.”
The new regulations stipulate the teams must nominate two water carriers before the game, which the referee has to approve.
Image source: @WalesOnline
