Ex Sport 24
Cape Town - Springbok lock Bakkies Botha has quipped that the boerewors he makes has lured so many South Africans to French club Toulon.
The 76-Test veteran has taken a little bit of South Africa with him to the south of France, where he makes his own boerewors.
He is back in the Bok set-up for the first time since the 2011 World Cup and is expected to be named in the starting team for Sunday's Test against Scotland in Edinburgh.
"When I first moved to Toulon, I think Joe van Niekerk was the only South African there, but we’ve since been joined by a lot of others,” Botha told the SA Rugby website.
Van Niekerk, Danie Rossouw, Bryan Habana, Michael Claassens and Juan Smith are the other South Africans plying their trade at Toulon.
“I don’t know if it’s my boerewors or the Euro that is luring the guys to Toulon, but it’s great to have them there. I get a lot of requests for boerewors from the guys, when they are keen for a braai, and I’m always happy to help.
“Even Matt Gitaeu from Australia phones from time to time to order some ‘boerie’ and then I just tell him to come by and pick up a packet.
“It’s always nice to have a lekker BBQ with the guys and especially to show the English and Aussie players how to do it properly," continued Botha.
The 34-year-old Botha said he is thoroughly enjoying being back in the Bok fold and is happy to play a mentoring role to young locks like Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
South Africa's Test against Scotland at Murrayfield kicks off at 17:00 (SA time) on Sunday.
