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Cape Town - Springbok loose forward Arno Botha will lead the Bulls in the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division, the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd announced on Monday.
Botha, who has two Test caps to his credit, brings a wealth of experience to the Bulls who start their Currie Cup campaign against Western Province in Pretoria on Friday.
Botha has captained a range of teams during his career including the Junior Springboks at the Junior World Championship. He has extensive Super Rugby experience having represented the franchise on 46 occasions.
He has also played in 24 Currie Cup matches since his debut against the Pumas in 2011.
Botha will alternate with Nic de Jager and when both are off the field, Hanro Liebenberg, himself a former Junior Springbok captain, will take over reigns, Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais confirmed.
"We are very fortunate to have a strong leadership core. Arno does have the edge when it comes to experience and he is very well respected amongst the squad. It is also very important for me to have my captain as a starting certainty, so Arno ticks all the boxes.
He is one of the best in the country and I can expecting good things from the team with him in charge," Marais said.
Botha said the Bulls captaincy was a big honour. "I grew up being a Blue Bulls fan and always admired the quality of leadership in this team. I have also played with some great captains, so hope to bring justice to the position. If you lead from the front, half of the challenge is done, so I am keen to see how this added responsibility improves my game."
