NIK SIMON'S GAIN LINE: Marcus Smith hits the beach after Boks bruiser

NIK SIMON’S GAIN LINE: The tide is turning on Rassie Erasmus and his waterboy antics ahead of next year’s Six Nations… while England hero Marcus Smith hits the beach with his girlfriend after Springboks bruiser

  • Waterboy antics are set to be clamped down on in the Six Nations next year
  • South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been a high-profile carrier
  • England players have enjoyed some downtime after bruising Boks encounter

Waterboy antics are set to be clamped down on in the Six Nations next year, with World Rugby primed to reduce the number of support staff allowed on a pitch.

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been the highest profile ‘water carrier’ to double as an on-field coach, but the tactic is rife throughout club and international rugby.

The Gain Line understands World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte is leading a review to determine whether the number of water carriers can be reduced from three to two. 

Rassie Erasmus has been the highest profile ‘water carrier’ to double up as an on-field coach

England and South African players have enjoyed some downtime after last week’s bruising encounter at Twickenham. 

Harlequins pals Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt have flown to Dubai, while Boks captain Siya Kolisi was greeted by Roger Federer in Switzerland. 

England fly-half Marcus Smith is pictured with his girlfriend Beth Dolling on holiday in Dubai

Neymar joins the All Blacks 

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and football superstar Neymar were among the guests in New Zealand Rugby Union’s private box in Paris last Saturday. 

They were joined by the likes of Jerome Kaino, Dave Brailsford and Rolex chiefs as the All Blacks were beaten 40-25 by France.

Saracen eye props to replace Mako Vunipola 

Saracens could turn to Beno Obano or Ellis Genge if they fail to agree a new deal with Mako Vunipola.

All three loosehead props are yet to agree new terms with their respective clubs.

Saracens could turn to Beno Obano or Ellis Genge if Mako Vunipola fails to agree new deal

Saracens are understood to have offered cut-price contracts to Mako and Billy Vunipola, but the pair could earn more in France if they call time on England ambitions.

Scarlets winger Tom Prydie, who become the youngest Wales player in history in 2010, has been offered a trial by Bath. The 29-year-old is being lined up as injury cover for Anthony Watson.

Bok to stay a Shark 

Lood de Jager is set to sign on for another season with Sale Sharks. 

The Springbok lock has an option to leave next summer but, despite reports of an exit, he is now likely to stay put and feature alongside new recruit George Ford. 

Fellow South African Rohan Janse van Rensburg also has an exit clause and is looking at his options. 

Bristol are weighing up a move for London Irish forward Albert Tuisue.  The Fiji back-row is available next summer and could be an ideal replacement if Nathan Hughes takes up a highlytouted move to France.




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