Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Jacob Botica - son of legendary Frano - has moved to France following release by Dragons

By Online Editors
(Photo by Ross Setford/Getty Images)

Jacob Botica, son of dual-code New Zealand international Frano, has returned to France to extend his playing career following the end of his two-year stint at Dragons, the Welsh Guinness PRO14 outfit.

ADVERTISEMENT

The arrival of coach Dean Ryan along with the Wales out-half Sam Davies last summer resulted in the Dragons becoming a much-changed set-up from the Bernard Jackman-led organisation that Botica joined in 2018 after impressing with RGC in the Welsh Premiership.

He made ten appearances under Ryan but the out-half now opted to try his luck back in France where he previously played with Saint-Jean d’Angely and Saint-Medard in Federale 1 either side of a season with Agen in Pro D2. His sojourn in Wales included some game time with the Scarlets in 2017/18.

Video Spacer

RugbyPass brings you the latest episode of The Breakdown, the Sky NZ TV rugby programme

Video Spacer

RugbyPass brings you the latest episode of The Breakdown, the Sky NZ TV rugby programme

It is Federale 1 level that the Wigan-born Botica is returning to, the 27-year-old brother of Bordeaux’s Ben taking up an offer with Rennes.

Speaking about the signing, Rennes boss Kevin Courties said: “We went through a network of agents to find an out-half and that is how we were put in contact with Jacob. He wanted to come back to France to the club culture that is looking to impose a rather ambitious game based on movement.

“He is a goalscorer, an attacker who seeks to play high on the line. We like it. Jacob is also an experienced player who remains relatively young. I’m not worried about his adaptation to the group and the championship.”

Rennes is located less than a five-hour drive from Botica’s brother Ben in Bordeaux who has featured for Oyonnax and Montpellier in the Top 14 following his move from Harlequins in 2016 after four seasons in the Premiership.  

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
FEATURE
FEATURE Why the All Blacks are serious about giving Sam Whitelock one last hurrah Why the All Blacks are serious about giving Sam Whitelock one last hurrah
Search