Earlier this year it came to light that legendary former Springbok flyhalf Naas Botha had stepped back from his role as Director of Rugby at Hoërskool Eldoraigne after relocating to the United States.
Naas and his wife Karen Botha (a former Olympic athlete) have settled in Kansas where two of their three daughters, Gaeby and Lee-Gre, are attending university there on soccer scholarships.
Showing no signs of slowing down, the 68-year-old has now been named as the director of rugby at American club Kansas City Blues rugby club.
“A new chapter for the Kansas City Blues,” a statement read. “We’re proud to welcome Naas Botha as our new Director of Rugby. A Springbok flyhalf who represented South Africa from 1980 to 1992, Naas is a highly decorated international rugby figure.
“Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2015 and a four-time South African Rugby Player of the Year, Naas brings decades of international rugby experience to the club and a vision for growing rugby throughout the Midwest.
“From player development to strengthening pathways for athletes in this region, Naas hopes to help develop players capable of competing at the national level.
“We’re excited for what this next chapter means for rugby in Kansas City and beyond.”
Naas Botha moved to the USA for family reasons
Speaking to Maroela Media, Botha said South Africa would always hold a special place in their hearts, but that they were happy to have started a new chapter in the USA.
“In short, the move is about family and the opportunities that lie ahead for us,” he commented.
“As everyone knows, years ago I had the opportunity to play NFL football in the USA 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.”
A legend of South African rugby
It’s a full-circle moment for Botha – after his brief 1983 stint with the Dallas Cowboys – but he will always remain a household name in South Africa.
His playing career included 28 appearances as a flyhalf for the Springboks, in which he scored 312 points as he became renowned as the game’s greatest goal kicker.
On the provincial stage, Botha donned the Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls) jersey in 179 matches, 128 of those as captain, amassing 2 511 points in the process.
“Being part of South African rugby – from the Springboks to Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls) – has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” he added.
