The NSW Waratahs have secured the services of one of the brightest pathway graduates, with the promotion of Daniel (Dan) Botha to the main squad for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
21-year-old Botha, a Mosman junior, schooled at The Scots College before representing Sydney University in the Shute Shield and the Waratahs Academy made his NSW Waratahs debut in round 2 of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific Competition against the Fijian Drua.
“It was a dream come true to debut for the Waratahs this year,” Botha said.
“I’ve grown up supporting this team and attending games since I was kid, so it’s incredibly special for myself and my family to get the opportunity to continue my journey here and move into the main squad”.
“I can’t wait to rip into preseason training, continue my development under DC and Pauli, and put my best foot forward for the 2024 season”.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman is delighted with the number of players graduating through the NSW pathways.
“We’re incredibly proud that Dan is another player directly from our academy into the senior full-time squad. It’s a credit to Andrew Cleverley and Shannon Fraser and their program that we can continue to rely on our academy to produce so many players annually,” Coleman said.
“Dan is a large body and exciting prospect and was rewarded with his Super Rugby debut last season, he went on to get 9 caps which was a real eye-opener for him. He held his own in those appearances too.”
“I’m looking forward to him working hard this pre-season and continuing to learn & grow under some of our Wallaby front rowers.”
Position: Prop
Height: 188cm
Weight: 120kg
Born: 16/12/2001
