Smit's Boks face 'misconduct' charges
Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:12
Protesting Boks: John Smit and his team face the wrath of the IRB
John Smit and his Springbok team will face misconduct charges, following their decision to wear white armbands - in protest to fellow Bok Bakkies Botha's ban - in the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions.
The International Rugby Board confirmed on Monday that it will formally 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 & Irish Lions last 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 said in a statement.
"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."
SARU on Monday, in a brief statement, acknowledged receipt of a letter detailing a charge of misconduct from the IRB.
"SARU would allow the process to take its course," the statement said, adding: "No further comment will be made until the judicial process has run its course."
The South Africans wore armbands, with the message 'Justice 4 All', during the Boks' 9-28 loss to the British and Irish Lions in the third and final Test in Johannesburg.
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers confirmed that the management supported the player protest.
Asked at a media briefing after the game if he expects any comeback from the IRB, the Bok captain, Smit, said: "We will have to see."
He received his answer on Monday.
The protest action, by the Springbok players, came after a week of turmoil in the Bok camp - with coach Peter de Villiers hauled in front of SARU President Oregan Hoskins for some of his outlandish statements.
Hoskins and De Villiers were also forced into issuing an apology, by the IRB, after De Villiers foolishly tried to defend suspended Bok flank Schalk Burger for his facial massage on Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald in the second Test in Durban.
But it is the ban of Botha that still rankles with the players and resulted in their protest action - which is now being investigated.
The players said they decided to unite behind Botha, after his two-week suspension and unsuccessful appeal against transgressing Law 10.4 (j) by dangerously charging into a ruck without binding on a player.
"The Springbok players all feel for Bakkies, as he will miss this memorable final Test against the British and Irish Lions," SARPA CEO Piet Heymans said in a statement at the weekend.
"As a sign of solidarity the Springbok players have decided to wear white arm bands during the Test match. 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)," Heymans added.
Smit, at a media briefing last Friday on the eve of the third Test, revealed that, with support from players around the world, the South Africans have taken a stand against what he termed the 'ludicrous' ban of Botha.
The Bok captain blasted the judicial process that saw the Bok stalwart, Botha, banned for two weeks after "cleaning out" a ruck in South Africa's 28-25 second Test win over the Lions in Pretoria last week.
The Bok captain said he "hopes and prays" the ban and subsequent decision to turn down an appeal against the ban was just "victimisation" of the Bok lock.
"This ruling creates a scary scenario for the future of the game," the Bok captain said at his Friday media briefing, adding that the players from around the world are not happy about the decision.
rugby365 staff
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
