Young NSW Waratahs prop Dan Botha draws inspiration from southern African rugby roots as he steps up in Super Rugby. Born to a Zimbabwean father and Zambian mother, Botha eyes a Wallabies call-up, mirroring his dad’s 1991 World Cup appearance.
Family Legacy and Early Challenges
Botha’s father, Chris, represented Zimbabwe as a second rower in the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Like many families, including David Pocock’s, Botha’s parents fled their tobacco farm in Karoi, Zimbabwe, during the mid-1990s turmoil. Dan was born in Sydney in 2002, and his family attended a Waratahs Super 12 match shortly after arriving in 1996.
Now, 30 years later, Botha runs out for the Waratahs at the same Sydney venue. Despite his father’s current home in South Africa, family and friends cheered him on during his recent full 80-minute performance in NSW’s win over Queensland.
Rising Star in the Front Row
As the starting tighthead prop, Botha faces the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium in the Waratahs’ second match. With Taniela Tupou’s move to France and Angus Bell on sabbatical, the front row lacks depth—all players have fewer than 30 Super Rugby games. At 24 with 23 caps, Botha holds the most experience at tighthead.
“It’s definitely something I’ve been thinking about,” Botha said. “I am hoping to make that number my own this year and play consistently.”
In his fourth season with the Waratahs, Botha progressed from Scots College, the 2019 Australian Schools side, and the NSW academy. Props peak in their late 20s, and Botha thrives on tough lessons.
“Some of the best lessons as a front rower come when you are on the receiving end of a belting,” Waratahs scrum coach Dan Palmer noted.
Botha recalled a humbling debut in 2023 against the Brumbies: “We had a yellow card, down to seven. I went on for three minutes and got binned after scrums against Slipper, Lonergan, and Alaalatoa. It was very humbling, but those are where you learn the most.”
Commitment to Australia
Zimbabwe, led by former Brumby and Force halfback Ian Prior, qualified for the 2027 World Cup—their first since 1991. Botha confirms talks with the Sables but remains loyal.
“I’m Australian—I was born here,” he stated. “Right now I’m set on trying to make this World Cup and playing for the Wallabies. That’s the dream.”
Palmer praises his potential: “Dan works incredibly hard on developing his game and I have no doubt when he earns that opportunity, he will grab it with both hands.”
