A weekend protest by players resulted in the South Africa Rugby Union being charged on Monday for alleged breaches of the International Rugby Board Code of Conduct.

The Springboks wore armbands during their defeat by the British and Irish Lions on Saturday as a symbol of solidarity for suspended team-mate Bakkies Botha, out for two weeks for dangerously charging into a ruck in the previous match.

The IRB decided the protest 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 will refer the matter to the independent judicial panel chairman who will appoint a judicial officer or committee.

Botha was banned for two weeks for a charge on Adam Jones that left the Welsh prop needing corrective surgery to right a dislocated shoulder.

The Springbok and Lions coaching staff, as well as Jones, insisted that they saw nothing untoward in the second-rower's charge, arguing he had merely been clearing a ruck.

"As a sign of solidarity the Springbok players decided to wear white arm bands during the Test match," said Piet Heymans, head of the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA).

"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)."

South Africa won the series 2-1.

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