Bok Botha eyes the Irish
Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:44
Ulster are expected to announce that the Sharks' powerhouse tighthead Springbok prop BJ Botha will head to Ravenhill, a move to be ratified by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).
The 28-year-old Durban-born Botha was a member of South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning squad under Jake White.
According to a report on BBC Ulster coach Matt Williams is believed to have also tempted former Australian Rugby League star Clinton Schifcofske to move from the Reds to Ravenhill.
The 32-year-old utility back, like Botha, was offered a two-year contract.
Schifcofske was expected to replace Chris Latham in the Reds Super 14 set-up after the Wallaby star agreed a deal with Premierships side Worcester for next season.
A goal-kicker of immense power, Schifcofske has scored 179 points in his two seasons in the Super 14 since his switch from the Canberra Raiders.
Meanwhile, Botha, whose erstwhile rival for the Springbok jersey CJ van der Linde is presently being courted by Leinster, will be seen as a major coup.
Botha has played 16 times for the Springboks making his debut in 2006 against the All Blacks.
He played in all the pool games during the World Cup in France, but a knee injury sustained in the 64-15 victory over the United States ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament.
Botha has been a massive influence in the Sharks rise to second in the Super 14 table behind the Crusaders. The final of the competition is scheduled for 31 May.
All oversees provincial deals have to go through the relevant IRFU committee, but it is mostly a rubber-stamping exercise.
