S Africa reprimanded for Botha armbands

[travelling_gerry]

July 7, 2009 - 6:33AM

A weekend protest by players resulted in the South Africa Rugby Union being charged on Monday for alleged breaches of the International Rugby Board Code of Conduct.
The Springboks wore armbands during their defeat by the British and Irish Lions on Saturday as a symbol of solidarity for suspended team-mate Bakkies Botha, out for two weeks for dangerously charging into a ruck in the previous match.
The IRB decided the protest demonstrates "a clear disregard of the disciplinary process and does so in a manner which brings, or has the potential to bring, the game into disrepute".
The IRB will refer the matter to the independent judicial panel chairman who will appoint a judicial officer or committee.
Botha was banned for two weeks for a charge on Adam Jones that left the Welsh prop needing corrective surgery to right a dislocated shoulder.
The Springbok and Lions coaching staff, as well as Jones, insisted that they saw nothing untoward in the second-rower's charge, arguing he had merely been clearing a ruck.
"As a sign of solidarity the Springbok players decided to wear white arm bands during the Test match," said Piet Heymans, head of the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA).
"At the same time the players want to send a clear message that they require the IRB to have an urgent and serious relook at Law 10.4 (j)."
South Africa won the series 2-1.
© 2009 AFP
http://news.rugbyheaven.com.au/break...0707-daot.html

[JediKnight]

Also reported on the BBC website....

"South Africa have been charged with misconduct after the Springboks wore armbands in the final Test against the Lions backing the banned Bakkies Botha.

The South Africa second row was suspended for two weeks for dangerous charging at a ruck in the second Test.

The armbands had "Justice 4" - four is also the player's number - on them.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) said in a statement that wearing the armbands "demonstrates a clear disregard of the disciplinary process".

The IRB added the action could bring, "or has the potential to bring, the game into disrepute".

The IRB has charged the South Africa Rugby Union (Saru) with "misconduct in breach of the IRB regulations relating to the game, including breaches of the IRB Code of Conduct."

After Botha was suspended South Africa failed in their appeal against the ban, leading to the players making their protest in Johannesburg on Saturday.

South Africa captain John Smit said after the Test, which the British and Irish Lions won 29-8 to avoid a series whitewash, that the players were "standing in solidarity with Bakkies".

Lions prop Adam Jones dislocated his shoulder in the incident which saw Botha banned but the tourists said they did not believe the 6ft 8in second row should have been cited.

"Adam Jones did not have an issue with the clean-out and neither did the Lions management," said assistant coach Warren Gatland last week.

The IRB has notified Saru that it intends to begin disciplinary proceedings and the matter will now be referred to the independent judicial panel chairman, who will appoint a judicial officer or committee to hear the charge.

No date has yet been given for any hearing.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8137194.stm

[tdevil]

[Burgs]

I think the full Squad should face a one match ban, August 8th will do...

[Happy]

here here!!
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[mudskipper]

And what’s so disgraceful is these jokers are the current World Champs... Where is the respect for the games establishment...

I think they’re getting way ahead of themselves here... Is there a level head steering the Springboks?

[Timbo]

Level head ... PDV ??? Not so far!

[AndyS]

It'll certainly do their chances of getting a RWC in 2015 or 2019 a load of good....