The veteran lock had been one of the most popular stars during his days and was dubbed ‘The Enforcer’.

Surprisingly, many fans have forgotten about him since his retirement in 2014.

When he left the Springboks, he spoke at large about not saying a proper goodbye.

“When I limped off the field during the World Cup in 2011 with an Achilles injury, I knew that I did not leave on my terms and that I didn’t say goodbye to the Bok jersey like I had wanted to,”

SPRINGBOKS LEGEND BAKKIES BOTHA’S AGE REVEALED ON HIS BIRTHDAY
The veteran Springboks lock was born on 22 September 1979 and had been celebrating his forty-third birthday.

Bakkies Botha was born in Newcastle, South Africa, where he developed his love for Rugby.

He played his Provincial Rugby with the Falcons and the Blue Bulls.

He moved to France in 2011 as he started his senior career with Toulon.

The veteran Lock did not spend much time before he joined the Bulls in 2002, where he stayed all his career.

Legendary former Springbok lock Bakkies Botha was in a car accident
Former Springbok lock Bakkies Botha. Image: Gallo Images.
HE IS ONE OF THE MOST DECORATED SPRINGBOKS
Despite retiring at a younger age, 34, the Springboks legend Bakkies Botha remains one of the most decorated ever.

His World Cup win 2007 epitomized his awards cabinet, but he also won a lot at the club and international levels.

Bakkies was nominated and won many individual awards to show his personal qualities.He was voted by the French publication Midi Olympique in 2013 as the best No. 4 lock ever to play the game.

At the time, he was one of only two players in the best XV still playing, the other being Richie McCaw.

He is also the only player in the Rugby union to have won a hat trick of Super Rugby and European rugby titles.