News

Ulster capture BJ Botha from the Sharks

April 25 2008

Ulster have completed a major coup with the signing of South African prop BJ Botha from the Natal-based Sharks.

The deal is all but confirmed and only depends on the Irish Rugby Football Union ratifying it, although that is not thought to be a problem.

All overseas provincial deals have to go through the relevant IRFU committee, but it is mostly a rubber-stamping exercise.

Botha, 28, won the World Cup with South Africa last year and has been an integral part of the Sharks team in this season's Super 14 competition.

Ulster Coach Matt Williams is also believed to have also tempted former Australian Rugby League star Clinton Schifcofske to move from the Queensland Reds to Ravenhill, although an official statement has yet to be released concerning that particular deal.