GALLERY: Bakkies Botha's career in pictures
John Philip "Bakkies" Botha, was born on September 22, 1979 in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
Botha retired with 85 Springboks caps to his name - the seventh highest all-time - as well as 95 Super Rugby matches for his beloved Bulls.
Blessings. Out
Bakkies Botha LEGEND of the game!!! As a springbok team and nation we salute you on an incredible career! Its been an Honor to know you.
— JP Pietersen (@jppietersen14) November 24, 2014
A nod to now retired @bokrugby hard man @BakkiesBotha4, who has now hung up his formidable boots #TeamAllBlacks pic.twitter.com/Cq5R5D6iMV
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 23, 2014
Bakkies Botha...Do i need to say more about this legend of the game #respect http://t.co/H7wunO1k1w
— Willie le roux (@wjjleroux) November 23, 2014
Tonight SA rugby is saying goodbye to a legend!!!bakkies_botha http://t.co/0mzSxdfEKI
— Morne Steyn (@mornesteyn) November 22, 2014
If it's true @BakkiesBotha4 may I just say you will always remain a legend, congrats on an amazing career big man it was a privilege.
— John Smit (@JohnSmit123) November 22, 2014
I shed a few tears tonight!! Thanks for the memories, the friendship and becoming a true Bok legend @BakkiesBotha4 pic.twitter.com/I6OYT97mdP
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) November 22, 2014
Lets go do it for my Combo @BakkiesBotha4 what a legend. Going to mis you this last few games. Great words spoken with jersey presentation
— Victor Matfield (@VictorMatfield) November 22, 2014