South African · Bredasdorp, South Africa · Born 27 February 1958South African fly-half of the pre-professional era whose extraordinary goal-kicking prowess, tactical genius and record points tally made him one of the most influential players in Springboks history.
Naas Botha was South Africa's greatest fly-half of the apartheid era, a kicker of extraordinary accuracy and tactical awareness whose performances were legendary despite South Africa's international isolation. His penalty-kicking ability, which produced remarkable statistics in domestic and limited international competition, made him a South African sporting icon. His technical brilliance remains the standard by which South African fly-halves are measured.
His remarkable goal-kicking accuracy that made him one of the most feared place-kickers in world rugby during the 1980s.
How They Played
Botha was characterized by his extraordinary goal-kicking precision and tactical awareness as a fly-half. His ability to convert penalties and drop goals from considerable distances made him a constant threat, while his strategic kicking game controlled field position effectively.
Lasting Impact
Botha set new standards for goal-kicking accuracy in rugby union and remains one of South Africa's most prolific point-scorers in international rugby.
Career Honours
- Currie Cup Winner 1980 (Northern Transvaal)
- Currie Cup Winner 1981 (Northern Transvaal)
- Currie Cup Winner 1982 (Northern Transvaal)
- Currie Cup Winner 1987 (Northern Transvaal)
- Currie Cup Winner 1988 (Northern Transvaal)
- Currie Cup Winner 1991 (Northern Transvaal)
- South African Rugby Player of the Year 1980
- South African Rugby Player of the Year 1981
- South African Rugby Player of the Year 1989
- IRB Hall of Fame Inductee 2011
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulls | 1977–1992 | 169 | 38 | #10 |
| Northern Transvaal | 1977–1992 | 169 | 38 | #10 |
 South Africa | — | 28 | 312 | — |
South African Athletes