Naas Botha: Where is the Springbok’s ‘greatest flyhalf’ now?
Former Springbok captain Naas Botha – hailed South Africa’s ‘best flyhalf ‘ – continues to push his passion of rugby…
Former Springbok captain Naas Botha has been hailed as one of the best flyhalf’s South African rugby has ever produced, despite his professional career being cut short over Apartheid sporting bans.
But where is the player nicknamed “Nasty Booter” now?
NAAS BOTHA: FROM CAPTAIN TO COACH
In 1995, Naas Botha hung up his boots after nearly two decades playing provincially for his club, Northern Transvaal (later named the Blue Bulls). During this period, he made 179 appearances for the club, leading them to nine Currie Cup victories.
He said of his Currie Cup success: “My job was to get the points on board, but everyone contributed. Just like the lock and the hooker. But to win nine was special, even if one or two got away.”
From 1980 to 1992, Naas made 28 test appearances for the Springboks. The 66-year-old also had a stint at the Italian club Rugby Rovigo, reports Rugby365.
After retiring, Naas transitioned into coaching at schoolboy level. He also coached the Junior Springboks as well as training India’s national rugby team.
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In 2023, he was named as the Director of Rugby for the Eldoraigne High School in Centurion, claimed SA School Sports.
Naas Botha is also a familiar face on SuperSport as a sports analyst and recently launched his own YouTube channel.
HUSBAND AND FATHER
Naas Botha married SA long jump record-holder Karen Kruger in 1991. The couple have three daughters together; Kyla, Gaeby and Lee-gre.
“You’re my heart and son”, he captioned one Instagram post of a picture of his blonde wife.
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Naas also has a son, Francois Jooste, who is from a previous relationship.
5 FACTS ABOUT FAMOUS FLYHALF
Naas Botha was named Rugby Player of the Year in 1979, 1981, 1985 and 1987.
Although he trialled for the American football club Dallas Cowboys in 1983, he switched to rugby’s Dallas Harlequins, where he led them to the 1984 USA National Club Championships. He returned to South Africa shortly thereafter.
His real name is not Naas, but Hendrik Egnatius Botha.
His nickname is “Nasty Booter” thanks to his formidable kicks with both left and right legs. He’s also fondly known as “Naas the baas”.
According to RugbyPass, Naas’s career could’ve achieved much more had it not been for sporting bans imposed on South Africa during Apartheid.
