Rassie Erasmus' days as 'water boy' over as World Rugby trials new regulations

Rassie Erasmus' days as Springbok "water boy" appear to be over.

This comes after World Rugby on Tuesday approved a global trial "limiting the opportunity for non-playing personnel to enter the field of play during a match".

Erasmus raised eyebrows last year when he featured as a water carrier during the British & Irish Lions series in South Africa.

Erasmus wasn't a permanent fixture on the sidelines during the Rugby Championship, but returned to fulfil the role during South Africa's penultimate Test of 2021 against Scotland in Edinburgh.

World Rugby regulations had stipulated that only head coaches were prevented from being on-field, but the latest ruling will bar SA Rugby's director of rugby from performing the role in future.

The global governing body said in a statement that the new law trial would be operational from 1 July, 2022 - for all competitions and stand-alone matches.

A World Rugby statement read: "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.

"The new trial for non-medical personnel sets out a revised protocol for when medics and water-carriers, can access the field of play, limiting the ability to interact with the match officials, and providing a sanctioning framework for any action that that either interferes with play or is against the values of the sport.

"The aim of the trial is to improve the flow of the game, reduce the opportunity for potential interference,