Naas Botha’s Springbok Test record

Former Springbok flyhalf Naas Botha has relocated to the United States. Here's a look at his Springbok record ...

Mar 7, 2026 - 22:00

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Former Springbok flyhalf Naas Botha has relocated to the United States, where he is beginning a new chapter of his life while remaining connected to sport and the South African community abroad.

Botha, who turned 68 in late February 2026, and his wife, Karen Botha, have settled in Kansas, largely to be closer to their daughters, Gaeby and Lee-gre, who moved to the US after earning athletic scholarships.

Both daughters have pursued soccer in the American collegiate system.

Gaeby previously played for Kansas State University, while Lee-gre followed a similar sporting pathway.

Rugby icon

Naas Botha is widely regarded as one of the finest flyhalves in South African rugby history.

During his international career with the Springboks, he earned 28 Test caps and scored 312 points, gaining a reputation as one of the most reliable goal kickers of his era.

He captained the Springboks in nine of his 28 Tests and scored two tries – against the New Zealand Cavaliers at Loftus Versfeld and a World Invitation side at Newlands.

Botha was on the winning side in 19 of his Tests, and lost nine, for a win percentage of 67.9%.

He is a four-time winner of the South African Rugby Player of the Year award and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2015.

Factfile: Naas Botha

Full names: Hendrik Egnatius Botha

Date of birth: 27 February 1958

Place of birth: Breyten

School: Hendrik Verwoerd

Springbok #502

Physical: 1.79m, 73kg

Current age: 68

Test summary: Tests: 28 Tries: 2

First Test: 26 April 1980 – Flyhalf against South America at Wanderers, Johannesburg

Last Test: 14 November 1992 – Flyhalf against England at Twickenham, London

At provincial level, he spent the bulk of his career with Northern Transvaal – now known as the Blue Bulls – where he played 179 matches, including 128 as captain, and scored 2 511 points, including 1 699 points in the Currie Cup.

Continued involvement in sport

Although he has moved abroad, Naas Botha remains active in sport.

Reports suggest he has been assisting local sports programmes in Kansas, sharing his expertise in kicking techniques and performance mindset.

He has also continued contributing to South African rugby discussions remotely, occasionally appearing on podcasts and interviews to offer analysis and insight.

Life after professional rugby

Following his retirement from professional rugby, Botha remained involved in the game in several capacities.

He coached the South Africa national under-20 rugby union team in 2002 and has worked extensively in the media as a rugby analyst for SuperSport.

He also spent time developing school rugby structures after being appointed Director of Rugby at Hoërskool Eldoraigne.

Interestingly, Botha’s latest move echoes an earlier chapter of his sporting journey.

In 1983, he briefly explored a career in American football with the Dallas Cowboys before ultimately returning to rugby and cementing his legacy as one of South Africa’s most celebrated players.

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