Gary Botha a Quin

The talent drain continues as Gary Botha becomes the latest high profile South African player to sign to play for an overseas club after the Rugby World Cup.

“I’m really looking forward to playing my rugby at the legendary Stoop,” said Botha after signing for the English Premiership side.

“Harlequins are an inspirational club with a great set of supporters, and I believe this is a move that will develop me as a player.”

Harlequins coach Dean Richards is looking forward to getting Botha on board.

“Gary is a very talented player and one everyone at Quins is looking forward to working with him,” he said.

“Aside from having the physicality you expect from a hooker he’s also very mobile, and for such a young man he has already shown tremendous leadership qualities with his performances for the Bulls in last year’s Currie Cup.

“I’m very confident Gary will be a huge success in the Guinness Premiership and become a key figure in our squad over the next couple of years.”

The list of departing players continues to grow:

Gary Botha – England – Harlequins
Victor Matfield – France – Toulon
John Smit – France – Clermont Ferrand
Bob Skinstad – France – Perpignon
Schalk Burger – France – Toulouse (not confirmed yet)
Percy Montgomery – France – Perpignon
Butch James – England – Bath
Ashwin Willemse – France – Perpignan
Joe van Niekerk – England – Northampton Saints
Breyton Paulse – France – Clermont Ferrand (not confirmed yet)
Marius Joubert – France – Clermont Ferrand
Lawrence Sephaka – France – Toulon
Brent Russell – England – Saracens
Ollie le Roux – Ireland – Leinster
Gerrie Britz – France – Perpignon
Philip Burger – France – Perpignon
Ronnie Cook – France – Brive
De Wet Barry – England – Harlequins
Corniel van Zyl – Italy – Treviso
Willem de Waal – France – Unconfirmed
Frikkie Welsh – France – Montpellier
Grant Rees – France – Montpellier
Warren Britz – France – Montpellier
Eugene van Staden – France – Montpellier
Wessel Roux – France – Club to be confirmed