7 Oct 2011

Botha flying home

10:01 am on 7 October 2011

Injured South African rugby star Bakkies Botha is heading home so as not to be a distraction for the Springboks ahead of Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against Australia in the capital.

The veteran lock was just back from an achilles injury but Botha injured the ankle again on Wednesday when he landed awkwardly during a lineout drill.

The 32-year-old's been ruled out of the tournament and while he says it's an emotional time, he's flying out for the Republic where he'll focus on getting fit for his next contract, with French club side Toulon.

The rugby world hasn't seen the last of Botha, who hopes he can play for the Boks again.

The Wallabies name their team this afternoon.