Rugby:The Springboks may have shown solidarity by wearing "Justice 4 Bakkies" armbands in support of the banned Bakkies Botha during the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions, but the International Rugby Board (IRB) have since said they will issue misconduct charges against the South Africa Rugby Union.

Botha was banned for two weeks for a dangerous charge on Lions prop Adam Jones in the second Test in Pretoria. Botha appealed but an independent Appeals Committee upheld the ban. The Springboks, in turn, made their feelings clear by wearing the armbands during their 28-9 defeat in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The IRB issued their statement of intent today. “The International Rugby Board today confirmed it will bring charges against the South Africa Rugby Union for alleged misconduct in breach of the IRB regulations relating to the game including breaches of the IRB Code of Conduct.”

“The action arises from the Springboks wearing armbands during the third Test with the British and Irish Lions on Saturday as a symbol of solidarity for Bakkies Botha following the upholding of his two-week suspension by an independent Appeal Committee for dangerously charging into a ruck without binding on a player.

“The IRB takes the view that such an act 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 has notified the South Africa Rugby Union that it intends to begin the disciplinary proceedings. The matter will now be referred to the independent judicial panel chairman who will appoint a judicial officer or committee.”