Springboks’ physiotherapist Rene Naylor. Images via Twitter @Radio2000
Springboks’ physiotherapist accused of passing messages, ‘dark arts’ on the pitch ahead of England game
Springboks’ physiotherapist Rene Naylor has been accused of passing messages from the coaching team and ‘dark arts’ on the pitch.
Springboks’ physiotherapist Rene Naylor. Images via Twitter @Radio2000
Rene Naylor, who is the Springboks’ physiotherapist, is accused of passing messages on from the coaching team in violation of the rules ahead of the England match.
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SPRINGBOKS: ‘PHYSIOTHERAPIST DARK ARTS’
Daily Mail reports that Wales manager Warren Gatland has warned England coach Steve Borthwick to challenge the Springboks’ tactics and singled out the team’s physiotherapist for extra scrutiny.
The Springboks’ physiotherapist, Rene Naylor was reportedly spotted ‘screaming and yelling’ instructions at her players while she stood metres away on their try line.
Naylor has also reportedly been caught on camera bellowing at her team while clutching water bottles and a first aid kit.
The publication adds that the Boks physio has played a key role in their success, including “their notorious use of the dark arts”.
Gatland adds Naylor shouldn’t ‘be “encroaching on to the field of play to pass messages from the coaching team”.
It is reported Naylor also courted controversy in 2021 for running onto the pitch during play when the Boks took on England at Twickenham.
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‘ENGLAND TO KEEP AN EYE ON HER’
Rene Naylor was reportedly in full force when the Springboks crushed England in the 2019 tournament, and the English team will be hoping to keep her quiet in tonight’s match.
Naylor was also spotted in footage sprinting on, pumping her fists in the air as the Boks drove towards England’s line in a previous game, but the referees took no action against her.
Gatland adds: “If I was Steve this week, I would be asking how that is going to be properly managed”.
The award-winning physiotherapist has been called the team’s secret weapon, as the Springboks are “notorious for winning by any means”.
The publication adds that the director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, previously came on the pitch as a water boy and has been caught using coloured lights to communicate with his team from the stands in France at this year’s tournament.
A Springboks spokesman told Daily Mail that the laws of rugby do not forbid any of a team’s four technical personnel from communicating with players during play.
The spokesman added that the match referee has the authority to expel any technical personnel who enter the field of play when not permitted.
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