16 Aug 2008

Bok prop joins Irish club

8:38 am on 16 August 2008

Springbok prop BJ Botha has been released from his contract with the Natal Sharks to take up a position with Ulster in Ireland.

Capped 15 times by South Africa, Botha has fallen out of favour with new Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, who has opted for CJ van der Linde and rookie Brian Mujati as his tighthead props during this year's Tri-Nations rugby series.

Botha has played just one Test this season, against Wales in Pretoria in June and the 28-year-old has decided to pursue his career abroad despite attempts by the Sharks and the South African Rugby Union to keep him in his home country for another two years.