'Paralysed' foot sees Renaldo Bothma retire with immediate effect

Ex-Harlequins back-rower Renaldo Bothma has had his hopes of representing Namibia at the 2023 World Cup dashed as he has been forced to retire with immediate effect. The 32-year-old, who played Super Rugby for the Sharks and the Bulls before switching to the Gallagher Premiership, had recently been playing with Te Aviv Heat in the new European Super Cup. 

However, a serious injury sustained in April sidelined him and he has now called time on his playing career. “The time has come for me to call it a day,” he explained in a farewell post on social media. 

“I really wanted to push through and play another World Cup but I have been advised not to continue playing rugby by the doctors due to the serious knee injury I suffered back in April which has left my foot paralysed due to the nerve damage. I still need to undergo one more knee surgery as well.

“I would like to thank every single team member, club, doctor, physio, coach and my family for all the support over the last 13 years of my rugby career. It has been one massive journey. I was very blessed to play rugby around the globe and represent my country at a World Cup. Most of all, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to express my talents for so long.

“Rugby has given me so much and I am extremely grateful for the special moments I could share with so many people. I have learned so many things from professional sport and it has definitely helped me get botthms (his business) up and running. I will continue my journey with botthms. A lot of big things are coming soon.

“I also have a big passion to start raising more awareness about life after rugby and the importance of player welfare in the modern game. A lot needs to change to assist our professional athletes with their transitioning from professional sport into the business world. Again, thanks to every single person who has been part of my journey. You are all special people and hopefully more exciting things will come.”

Bothma earned 17 caps for Namibia, featuring against the All Blacks in London at the 2015 World Cup. He also made 27 appearances for Harlequins, 14 in the Premiership, after signing in 2017 and staying three seasons.