Botha out of Tri-Nations for headbutting All Blacks scrum-half
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South Africa lock Bakkies Botha has apologised to his team-mates after being banned for his headbutt on New Zealand scrum-half Jimmy Cowan. The incident occurred during the All Blacks' comprehensive 32-12 victory over the world champions at Eden Park on Saturday but was missed by referee Alan Lewis.
Botha was cited and banned for nine weeks by a judicial hearing in Auckland yesterday, meaning he will miss the rest of the Tri Nations. The Bulls forward later expressed remorse for his actions.
"I sincerely regret the incident," Botha said. "I have let my team, my country and family down and I have done an injustice to the Springbok jersey and what it stands for.
"I apologise to Jimmy Cowan and the New Zealand rugby public for what happened. Rugby is a physical sport but it has to be played within the boundaries and spirit of the law.
"I truly regret my actions and will make sure that I put the extended time away from the game to positive use and return to playing with the right attitude."
South Africa's national teams' manager Andy Marinos spoke of the South African Rugby Union's (SARU) disappointment in Botha's actions.
"SARU views any incident of foul play in a very serious light. Bakkies remains an important player in Springbok rugby and I have discussed with him the extent of his actions and the implications it could have on the team, himself personally and his family," Marinos said.
The ban caps a terrible weekend for Peter de Villiers' side. The Springboks had been bullish about ending their miserable record at Eden Park, where they have not won since 1937, but they were simple brushed aside by a clinical New Zealand side who outscored the visitors by four tries to nil.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments