Top 14 Orange
Botha unveiled by Toulon
ESPNscrum Staff
July 7, 2011
Bulls lock Bakkies Botha takes the attack to the Crusaders, Bulls v Crusaders, Super 14, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa, May 7, 2010
Botha joins Toulon from Pretoria based franchise the Bulls © Getty Images
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Springboks second-row Bakkies Botha has been unveiled by Toulon and completes a three-year deal with the Top 14 side.

Botha, whose move was confirmed by Toulon in March, will join the French side after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, if he is selected in Peter de Villiers' final 30-man squad. Botha was recently ruled out of the Springboks' trips to Australia and New Zealand in the Tri-Nations with a knee injury but will hope to be fit to play some part in their campaign.

The uncompromising lock, who has 72-caps for South Africa, hopes to finish his career at Toulon. "It may well be my last challenge," Botha said. Botha, however, will not alter his enforcer approach to second-row play. "I will not change the way I play. I have been playing hard for the last ten years. I will do the same here."

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal used the occasion to unveil Toulon's new shirt for the 2011-12 season and is expected to meet Stade Francais honorary president Max Guazzani on Friday to discuss the future of centre Mathieu Bastareaud. The French bulldozing centre has been linked with Boudjellal's side in the past and is reported to be keen on a move to Toulon. Botha will be joined at Toulon for the 2011-12 season by fellow new signings flanker Steffon Armitage, fly-half Matt Giteau and rugby league convert Willie Mason.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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