The latest news on BJ Botha and his plans to go and play his rugby in the Cape…

Andrew “Tank” Lanning

Cape Town – It appears that Springbok prop BJ Botha will not be heading to Cape Town to play for the Stormers. This according to Botha’s latest “Tweet” on social networking site, Twitter:

“Sorry for being so quiet but just found out that packing my bags is the furtherest this is going to go tweeps, would’ve been great to play in S14 again, hopefully there’s a next time?”

The Stormers were hoping to bring Botha to the Cape to bolster front-row resources for the last few Super 14 matches, but negotiations with his Irish club, Ulster, apparently broke down when it came to discussions surrounding insurance. For obvious reasons, Ulster wanted guarantees in place that would see them compensated should BJ get injured.

It is understood that the Stormers wanted to have Botha released for five weeks from his European commitments.

Botha is an old boy of DHS and has played all his rugby in South Africa for the Sharks. He left to further his career overseas in 2008 and was sidelined from international action until he made a successful return to the Springbok team during last season’s end of year tour.

The emergency call to Botha came because of the injuries to props JC Kritzinger and Wicus Blaauw. Kritzinger is out of Friday night’s game against Crusaders at Newlands and may be sidelined for a bit longer than that. Blaauw is not expected back during the Super 14.

But all is not lost in the Western Cape. Powerful Griquas prop, Albertus Buckle, has trained with the Stormers this week and the Stormers management have confirmed that he will be available for the franchise for the rest of the Super 14 season.