23 Jul 2009

IRB confirms misconduct hearing against South Africa Rugby Union

8:39 am on 23 July 2009

The International Rugby Board has confirmed that the misconduct hearing against the South African Rugby Union will take place in Dublin next month.

The matter will be heard by an Independent Disciplinary Committee chaired by Retired Honourable Justice John Hansen of New Zealand.

The charges against the South African Rugby Union are 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 South Africa national team wearing armbands during the third Test against the British & Irish Lions earlier this month as a symbol of solidarity and protest 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.