Rugby-Springboks wear armbands to protest against Botha ban

JOHANNESBURG, July 4 (Reuters) - South Africa's players wore white armbands in Saturday's third and final test against the British and Irish Lions in protest at lock Bakkies Botha's two-match ban.

Botha was suspended by the International Rugby Board for a dangerous charge on Lions prop Adam Jones in the second test that left the Welshman with a dislocated shoulder.

"As a sign of solidarity the Springbok players have decided to wear white armbands," said South African Rugby Players' Association chief executive Piet Heymans in a statement issued before Saturday's game.

"We will be consulting our legal team next week to consider all options available to assist Bakkies Botha and provide him with a sense of justice as he has suffered significantly due to this suspension," added Heymans.

"Bakkies hit a ruck just before this one in question in a similar style and was not penalised. This inconsistency has upset the players and they felt very strongly they must ... show their unhappiness with the application of the relevant law."

South Africa lead the series 2-0.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)