Munster nab Springbok forward

Munster and the IRFU have confirmed the one-year signing of South Africa back rower Arno Botha.
The 26-year-old, currently with London Irish, will join the province at the beginning of the 2018/19 season, subject to medical clearance and obtaining a work permit.
Botha, an explosive ball carrier who plays flank and No.8, played his entire professional career with the Blue Bulls before moving to London in January.
A former South Africa Under-20s captain, he featured for the Springboks on two occasions in 2013.
Continue reading below
Commenting on the signing, Munster head coach Johann van Graan said: "In building our squad for next season I believe Arno will be a great addition to our side, adding further depth and strength to our back row options.
"From my time with the Bulls and South Africa I have first-hand experience of what Arno is capable of. A physical ball carrier and lineout jumper, he leads by example with his work-rate, commitment and physicality, and we look forward to welcoming him to the province."
Botha played for the Bulls 47 times at Super Rugby level between 2012 and 2017. He made his debut for the Springboks in June 2013 and in his second test left the field after just four minutes of play having ruptured ligaments in his left knee.
Botha will join former Bulls teammate and fellow South Africa U20 representative CJ Stander in the Munster back row.
In other news:
Latest Comments
“It was true actually. Arteta hasn’t won much, nor slot. Pep has of course, and is a few years older. BUT - here’s the clincher: compare his trophy haul when he was THE SAME AGE AS your other examples! Boom.”
Boom indeed! My point proven. Pep hasn’t gotten better with age - he won loads when he was pretty new to coaching.
But the examples I gave were to show that the top coaches now are younger than the top coaches were 10 years ago. They are also less experienced than the top coaches were 10 years ago - something you seem not to have noticed.
I’m English btw.
Ok so you’re admitting you didn’t really have a point to make wrt Ferguson and spending regulations?
Go to commentsI really like Tupaea. He has come back to a level that might even be higher than before his terrible injury in 2022. And congratulations to him. But objectively, I think he still remains a "lesser" Tavatavanawai in almost all aspects of the game. Furthermore, comparing the stats of the Chiefs and the Landers is not fair. Tupaea benefits from a lot of forwards and a much superior halfback pairing. Tavatavanawai (like Tangitau) works miracles within an average team. Tupaea is good in a very good team.
The All Blacks must select excellence. And excellence is visible at centre and in other positions. I believe the All Blacks have enormous potential, unlike anything seen since 2015. Razor must select the right players; it’s as simple as that... he just needs to bend down to pick them up
Go to comments