Dan Botha’s Rise in Australian Rugby

Southern African countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia have produced standout talents for Australian rugby, including Wallabies icons David Pocock and George Gregan. Dan Botha, son of a Zimbabwean father and Zambian-born mother, emerges as the next prospect. The 24-year-old tighthead prop starts for the NSW Waratahs against the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium on Friday night in their second Super Rugby match.

Botha played a full 80 minutes in the Waratahs’ victory over Queensland last week, solidifying his position among Australia’s elite front-rowers. With Taniela Tupou’s move to France and Angus Bell on sabbatical, the Waratahs’ front row lacks depth—no player exceeds 30 Super Rugby appearances. As the most experienced tighthead with 23 games, Botha shoulders significant responsibility.

Seizing the Starting Spot

“It’s something I’ve considered, even last year,” Botha said. “I aim to claim that number three jersey this season and deliver consistent performances.”

Botha secured the starting role last year when Tupou struggled for form. Now in his fourth season with the Waratahs, he rose from Scots College stardom, the 2019 Australian Schools team, the NSW academy, and Sydney University.

Props typically peak in their late 20s, and Botha follows the path of learning through challenging Super Rugby experiences. “The best lessons for front-rowers come from tough scrums,” noted Waratahs scrum coach Dan Palmer.

Botha added, “Props develop slowly, building physical strength and experience. I’ve learned hard lessons. In my debut year against the Brumbies, down to seven men after a yellow card, I lasted three minutes before getting binned facing Slipper, Lonergan, and Alaalatoa. It humbled me, but those moments teach the most. At 24, I’m ready to pass on those lessons.”

Following Family Footsteps

Botha’s father, Chris, represented Zimbabwe as a second rower at the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Like the Pocock family displaced in 2001, Botha’s parents fled their tobacco farm in Karoi, Zimbabwe, in the mid-1990s. Dan was born in Sydney in 2002.

“Our family’s farm eviction mirrored David Pocock’s story,” Botha shared. “My parents arrived in 1996 and attended a Waratahs game against Transvaal at the SFS—their first Super 12 match.” Three decades later, Botha debuted for the Waratahs at the same venue, with family and friends cheering from South Africa.

Zimbabwe, led by ex-Brumbies and Force player Ian Prior, qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup—their first since 1991. Botha reports discussions with the Sables about emulating his father, but he represented Australia A last year.

“I’m Australian—born here,” Botha affirmed. “Maybe later as an older player, but now I focus on the Wallabies and this World Cup. That’s the goal.”

Palmer praises his protégé: “Dan works tirelessly on his skills. When the chance comes, he’ll seize it.”