Naas Botha (Photo: Linkedin)
Rugby legend Naas Botha has confirmed that he and his family have moved to the US.
“South Africa will forever have a special place in our hearts, and we are grateful for the years we were able to live as part of its culture and community,” Botha and his wife Karen said in a statement to Maroela Media. The couple have three daughters and moved to the US “as part of a long-cherished family goal”.
“In short, this move is about family and the opportunities ahead. We thank everyone for their understanding, and we will miss you all.”
Botha issued the statement after rumors began to spread earlier this week about his family’s relocation to the USA. Among other things, it was reported that the family settled in Kansas where two of their three daughters have sports scholarships.
In the statement, Botha thanked the South African public. “Being part of South African rugby – from the Springboks to Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls) – has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Whether you supported me or not, I will always cherish the bond we share.”
According to Botha, the resettlement to the USA was a perfectly legal process based on his extraordinary background, and was done with the guidance of an American immigration lawyer who is a former South African lawyer and specializes in American immigration law.
“As everyone knows, years ago I had the opportunity to play NFL football in the US for the Dallas Cowboys, and Karen was here on a sports scholarship at the University of Nebraska. Those experiences were meaningful chapters in our lives, and now our children have found their own opportunities here. This move is simply a continuation of that journey and is in the best interest of our family.”
Before their departure to the USA, Botha and his family lived in Pretoria where, since October 2023, Botha was the director of rugby at the Eldoraigne High School in Centurion. They lived in Bloemfontein before that.
This former Springbok captain played in a total of 28 matches as flyhalf in the green and gold and set several scoring records during his playing days.
Botha was named the South African Rugby Player of the Year four times – in 1979, 1981, 1985 and 1987.
In addition to his games for the Boks, Naas played 119 times for the Italian club Rivigo.
However, it was on the provincial stage where he really made his mark.
He played 179 games for Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls), of which he played 128 times as the captain. Northern Transvaal won the Currie Cup nine times under his leadership.
Botha was also a rugby coach at Tukkies, the team manager of the 2002 Junior Springbok world champions and the head coach of India’s national team.
In addition to his good name as a rugby player, he was also a well-known face on television, where he fulfilled the role of rugby analyst and commentator for many years.