Bakkies Botha

Bakkies Botha
Bakkies Botha, dressed in the Springbok change kit after a pre-match warm up
Birth nameJohn Philip Botha
Date of birth (1979-09-22) 22 September 1979 (age 45)
Place of birthNewcastle, South Africa
Height2.02 m (6 ft 7+12 in)
Weight124 kg (273 lb; 19 st 7 lb)
SchoolHTS Middelburg and Vereeniging THS, South Africa
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2011–2015 Toulon 73 (20)
Correct as of 30 January 2015
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1999–2000 Falcons 22 (12)
2001–2011 Blue Bulls 53 (50)
Correct as of 24 March 2015
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2002–2011 Bulls 100 (55)
Correct as of 25 November 2013
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2002–2014 South Africa (test) 85 (35)
2010 South Africa (tour) 1 (5)
2008-2015 Barbarians 4 (0)
2014 Springbok XV 1 (5)
2001–2003 South Africa 'A' 6 (5)
2001 South Africa Under-23 3 (5)
1998 South African Schools
Correct as of 17 November 2014
Medal record
Men's Rugby union
Representing  South Africa
Rugby World Cup
Gold medal – first place 2007 France Squad

John Philip Botha, (born 22 September 1979) known as by nickname Bakkies, is a South African former professional rugby union player who played as a lock. He was a member of the South Africa team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France in addition to winning two Tri Nations titles in 2004 and 2009. Botha played for RC Toulonnais in the Top 14 after signing from Blue Bulls provincial team in the Currie Cup competition and the Bulls Super Rugby team. Botha was also a member of the Toulon squad which won the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Heineken Cup/European Rugby Champions Cup Finals. Botha became widely associated with fellow international lock Victor Matfield for their highly successful onfield partnership with the Springboks.