IRB finds Springboks guilty on Botha disrepute charge

World rugby's governing body this week found the South African Rugby Union (SARU), the Springboks and team officials guilty of bringing the game into disrepute with their 'armband' protest against a two-week ban given to Bakkies Botha.

The charges upheld on Monday by the International Rugby Board (IRB)'s independent disciplinary committee were laid after the Springboks wore white armbands bearing the word 'justice' during their third Test defeat by the British and Irish Lions last month.

The armbands were worn as a symbol of solidarity with Botha, who the South Africans felt had been unfairly banned for dangerously charging into a ruck during the second Test of the series.

The independent committee imposed fines of 10,000 pounds on SARU, 1,000 pounds on Springbok skipper John Smit and 200 pounds on each of the other players.

The committee said the sanctions would have been much more severe but for legal technicalities.