IRB charges South Africa over Botha ‘Justice’ band protest

SOUTH AFRICA have been charged with misconduct by the International Rugby Board (IRB) for their protest against the suspension of Bakkies Botha.

The Springboks sported armbands with the message “Justice 4 Bakkies” during Sunday’s third Test against the Lions, which the tourists won 28-9.

Botha was given a two-week ban for a dangerous charge on Wales prop Adam Jones seven days earlier, sparking the protest orchestrated by captain John Smit and the South African Players’ Association.