Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus. Photo: BackpagePix

Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus. Photo: BackpagePix

Rassie Erasmus teases title change in cheeky dig at World Rugby

Rassie Erasmus just can’t help but tease World Rugby and the Director of Rugby was up to his old tricks this week.

Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus. Photo: BackpagePix

Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus. Photo: BackpagePix

Rassie Erasmus continues to be a thorn in World Rugby’s side and the sanctions the body has handed down to the Bok supremo haven’t hit the Director of Rugby’s sense of humour.

World Rugby has moved to bar Rassie Erasmus from acting as a water-carrier during Test matches by extending the rule barring the head coach from performing such duties to also include the post of Director of rugby.

World Rugby grind the axe

The new law on water carriers, which will be trialled this year, now reads: “Water carriers cannot be a director of rugby or head coach.”

 A statement from the body 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.

“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, enhance the spectacle for fans and support match management by match officials. The trials have been devised in partnership with unions and key stakeholders, in particular International Rugby Players who are supporting the changes.”

Rassie Erasmus hits back with cheeky Tweet

Now Rassie Erasmus has fired back with a cheeky tweet suggesting the Springboks could again make the most of the wording of the law to get around it.

The Director of Rugby teased that he might just need to change his title to Director of Coaching.