Ospreys have announced the signing of tighthead Tom Botha from the start of next season, beating intense competition from a number of leading clubs to secure his signature.
He is the fourth new face confirmed ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and joins Wales stars Aled Davies and Scott Williams and Namibian international Lesley Klim in committing to the region.
Currently with the Ospreys’ Guinness PRO14 Conference A rivals, Toyota Cheetahs, the 27-year old from Stellenbosch will bring with him vast experience across not only the PRO14 but also Super Rugby, as well as the domestic game in South Africa in the Vodacom and Currie Cups, and also from a two year spell in France as a youngster.
NEW SIGNING:
Welcome to the Ospreys @TomBotha3 #ImCommitted#BackInTheHunt#MyTeamhttps://t.co/1IUqDqfWlc
— Ospreys (@ospreys) April 8, 2018
Speaking after confirming his move to the Liberty Stadium, Botha said:
“I’m really excited to join the Ospreys. I enjoy the PRO14 more than Super Rugby as it’s based more on scrums, forwards mauling, stuff like that. I love all the forward related stuff, that’s the strong point of my game.
“I’ve actually spoken to a few of the South Africans who have played for the Ospreys, before I decided to sign, and they all said only good things. I can’t wait.”