THE Dragons have taken head of performance Dan Baugh off water boy duties for Saturday’s game with the Sharks after his spat with referee Ben Whitehouse.

The conditioning coach was ordered not to return to the field after being reprimanded and then putting his hand on the official in the 20-5 win over the Ospreys at Rodney Parade.

The former Canada back rower was acting as water boy and was warned by Whitehouse for the way that the referee deemed he had been spoken to before he viewed TMO footage of the high tackle that saw visiting winger Mat Protheroe red-carded.

While receiving a ticking off, the Dragons man protested - claiming he was just talking to his players - and then put a hand on the shoulder of the Welsh official.

“Don’t touch me!” said Whitehouse, before ordering Baugh was not to be allowed back on the field of play.

Dragons boss Dai Flanagan has reprimanded his coach, who the Argus understands will be in the stands at Kings Park this weekend.

"I always say the behaviour of my staff and players represents me,” said the head coach.

"Dan is well aware you can't touch an official. Him and Ben go back a long way and he phoned him on Monday.

"Dan was Ben's strength and conditioning coach when he worked for periods at the WRU.

"Dan is well aware you can't do what he did and we are dealing with it in-house. There is a consequence agreed by Dan and us. You can't do that, it is clear as day my end.”

Baugh, who helped the replacements warm up against the Ospreys after being dismissed, is able to help the Dragons prepare for Saturday’s clash with the Sharks as normal.

Another member of the travelling party will be tasked with delivering messages from the management team to the players.