The rugby community in Bloemfontein and the Free State is in mourning following the passing of Oom Tat Botha.

Widely regarded as a legend of the game, Botha was well-known for identifying and recruiting many of South Africa’s future Springboks to play their rugby for the University of the Free State Shimlas and the Toyota Cheetahs.

Chairman of Shimlas Rugby Marius van Rensburg fondly remembers Oom Tat Botha.