The South African, and more importantly, Springbok rugby landscape will never look the same again after one of the Boks’ biggest boys announced that he is hanging up his test rugby boots for good.
The legend that is Bakkies Botha announced over the weekend that he is retiring from international rugby, thus making his brief appearance in the Springboks’ match against England a almost two weeks ago, his last.
Besides having a big influence on the Springbok team because of his um, big size, Bakkies also had an enormous influence on the team with his distinct style of play. He is considered as one of the best locks in the world and will always be remembered for his brute strength and intense determination during games.
He also formed a formidable partnership with another South African legend, Victor Matfield, and the two have been hailed as arguably the best lock combination in the world ever.
Bakkies made his debut for the Springboks more than 10 years ago in 2002 and has since been capped a whopping 85 times for the Boks. He was also an instrumental player in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, which of course the Springboks went on to win.
Botha said that he has been mulling over the decision to quit test rugby since 2011, when an Achilles injury left him out for two years of Springbok rugby.
“The news will probably be described as unexpected, but it’s a decision that I’ve been mulling over since 2011. “When I limped off the field during the World Cup in 2011 with an Achilles injury, I knew that I did not leave on my terms and that I didn’t say goodbye to the Bok jersey like I had wanted to…[sic] What was ‘my terms’? I wanted to leave the jersey behind knowing I honoured the men who wore it before me, as well as the people who had supported me throughout my career,”
Bakkies currently plays for French club, Toulon, and said that he will finish his contract with the club. He also mentioned that the would like to return to South Africa next year and hopes that a local club will sign him so that he can play at least one more Currie Cup. He added that after 2015, he will be retiring from ll forms of rugby.
Bakkies Botha will certainly go down in history as one of the best Springboks players ever. ‘The Enforcer’, as he is known, has been an integral part of the Springbok team and South African rugby culture. We will miss him terribly in our Bok squad.
Also, we’re pretty sure any South African club would gladly sign him up for ext year’s Currie Cup. It’s just a question about who wants The enforcer the most!
Source: City Press
