The rumours proved to be true. It is now official that Gary Botha will return to his beloved union in Pretoria.

The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd has announced that former Springbok and Bulls hooker Gary Botha has signed a contract with the BBC and will be available for the Bulls and Blue Bulls until October 31, 2011.

Botha, 27, has played his rugby at Harlequins the past two seasons and requested a release from his contract to return to South Africa.

Gary Botha is a World Cup, s14 and Curry Cup winner. He will be available for selection in the next match against the Leopards in Rustenburg. However, he will not be allowed to play for the Bulls in a potential semi final or final as he hasn’t played enough minutes of Curry Cup in 2009.

Coach Frans Ludeke was happy about Botha’s return.

“Gary brings a lot of stability to the set pieces and his play in the loose is extraordinary.

“He brings a lot of experience to our tight five and it is always nice to have a guy in your pack that has the respect of his peers.

“Gary is also a great leader and as a team player par excellence I am looking forward to welcome him back at the Bulls.”

Gary Botha often captained the Blue Bulls and will compete with Chilliboy Rallepelle for the starting position in the 2010 s14. Derick Kuun, the first choice hooker at the Bulls will revert back to openside flank next year which many feels is his best position.

Gary Botha is very eager to play in a bulls jersey again:

“I have learned a tremendous lot over the last two seasons and would like to plough back what I have picked up.

“The game is different in the northern hemisphere and it was good to experience something of it, but I can’t wait to pull on the Bulls jersey.

“I am a Blue Bull through and through, I’ve been playing for the Union since I was 12, and what we’ve got at Loftus is certainly something very special.

“The Bulls truly are a family and I undoubtedly missed that.

“I will be arriving in the country on Wednesday with my rugby boots and I am fit and eager to play!”

Gary Botha was born in Pretoria, attended Waterkloof High School and made his international debut against Australia in 2005.