South African centre Lesley Botha joined the Toyota Cheetahs on a two-year contract from French Top 14 club Montpellier.
Botha’s contract at the Toyota Cheetahs starts on 1 November 2020 and will run until 31 October 2022, according to the club.
The 18-year-old, who joined the French side straight after school, managed to train with the senior team despite being there for a short period.
The Cheetahs, who play in the Guinness PRO14, welcomed the teenager who, they say, boasts a versatile skillset that will improve the team.
“Botha’s approach on the attack is very direct and he knows how to create space. He is also fearless in the defence. His deceptive speed will add a lot of value to any team he plays for,” the Cheetahs said in a statement.
Botha said he has no regrets over his brief-stint in France or his return to Bloemfontein where he grew up and is eager to play in both the Guinness PRO14 and the Currie Cup.
“There I learnt that you don’t have to rely on someone bigger, better, or richer than you to make yourself the best that you can be,” he said.
“If you just believe in yourself and have hope you can fulfill your dreams any place and anywhere. I don’t have to rely on a place, someone or a club fulfill my dreams.”
Botha will link up with some familiar faces at the Cheetahs including two-time Rugby World Cup winner Frans Steyn and Marcell Muller, who were both at Montpellier, and George Cronjé, who was Botha and Muller’s captain at school.
