Rassie responds to 'water boy' ban: Director of coaching a much better title for me!

Rassie Erasmus has provided a witty response to World Rugby's law amendments on the role of water carrier.

The global governing body on Tuesday approved a global trial that will no longer allow the SA Rugby director of rugby to act as a "water boy" during Springbok Tests.

Erasmus raised eyebrows last year when he performed the role during  the British & Irish Lions series in South Africa.

World Rugby regulations had stipulated that only head coaches were prevented from being on-field, but the latest ruling will bar Erasmus 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.

World Rugby made it clear that while teams will be "permitted up to two dedicated water carriers", it "cannot be a Director of Rugby of Head Coach".

Upon hearing the news, Erasmus took to social media and quipped that he'd simply be changing his job title.

"Was just talking to my line manager yesterday!! She also thought 'Director of Rugby' has a such a formal ring to it ! We agreed that Director of coaching will be so much better title for me! Lekka !! Cant wait," he wrote on Twitter.

was just talking to my line manager yesterday!! She also thought “Director of Rugby” has a such a formal ring to it ! We agreed that Director of coaching will be so much better title for me! Lekka !! Cant wait https://t.co/1QYEkzdLF2

Word Rugby said the aim of the trial is to "improve the flow of matches by reducing unnecessary stoppages without compromising welfare".

Medics

- Can only provide water to players who they are treating- Cannot field or touch a ball when it is live in play (sanction: penalty kick)

Additional personnel

- Teams are