Hendrik Egnatius Botha was born on the 27 of February 1958 in Breyten, in the Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga). He schooled in Pretoria, where he participated in a number of sporting codes including cricket, tennis, athletics and rugby. While Botha was studying at the University of Pretoria he was selected to play for the South African under-20 rugby team. At the age of 22 he played his first international rugby match against South America, marking the start of his 12 year international rugby career.
Botha is regarded as one of the best South African rugby players of all time. He was best known for his kicking prowess, which earned him the nickname “Nasty Booter”. He has won 28 caps during his career with the Springboks during his 12 year career and was the highest scorer in South African rugby history with a record of 312 points, until his record was broken in 2004. Botha retired in 1995. He now works as a rugby commentator. He is married to Karen, a former athlete and they have three daughters.
ESPN Scrum, "Naas Botha South Africa",From: ESPN Scrum, [online] Available at: www.espnscrum.com [Accessed on 18 February 2014]|Morgan B. " Naas Botha: field general supreme from South Africa Info"From: South Africa, [online] Available at: www.southafrica.info[Accessed on 18 February 2014]