Naas Botha’s sage advice for World Rugby, and that Jan Els ‘klap’
Naas Botha, legendary Springbok flyhalf, offers his perspective on World Rugby’s current disciplinary challenges, advocating for clearer rules and emphasising the importance of intent in dangerous play decisions. Picture: Michael Sherman
Image: Michael Sherman
It’s not an exaggeration to say that World Rugby is in a strange place at the moment, and one player from a different era that has a unique perspective on the matter is Naas Botha.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest flyhalves of all time, the Springboks number 10 was normally on the receiving end of physical altercations during his playing days for Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls) from the late 1970s to the 1990s.
In the last month, Bulls player Jan-Hendrik Wessels received an eight-week ban for a genital grab despite no visual evidence of the incident.
Over the last two weeks in a row, Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert received their marching orders in respective Test matches against France and Italy. Both calls sparked controversy as the decisions were seen as incredibly harsh on the Springboks.
Naas Botha Reflects on Brutal Rugby Clashes in His Day
“In my days, you know, I saw headbutts, I saw guys getting really punched. I got punched myself,” said Botha.
Botha highlighted the 1987 incident, when Free State’s Jan Els punched the Bulls playmaker in the face, which sent him to the hospital.
“I think when Jan Els of the Free State actually punched me, I think it was so cute the other day because somebody showed it to me. I think it was the first time I saw somebody nearly knocked out of the TV screen.
“But in a way, it was really part of the game. The game is totally different today. They're trying to clean it up. I'm absolutely for it.”
Botha Calls for Clearer Rugby Disciplinary Rules as the Modern Game Evolves
Of course, the game has evolved radically since then to make it much safer for players, which is a good thing.
“It [the game] has changed totally. But to be honest, I think for the better. I think absolutely for the better.
The laws are actually also quite confusing. And the disciplinary actions are not always fair. That's why I say, come out and say, if you punch somebody, it is three weeks.
“If you do this, it's four weeks. If you do that, it's five weeks, six weeks, whatever, whatever, whatever.
“But now they always say: ”Yeah, but every incident, you have to actually look at it independently and whatever.”
Botha Says Intent Should Be Central to Dangerous Play Decisions in Modern Rugby
Botha went on to say that intention in dangerous play should be the biggest factor.
“I heard one ref one day say, "If I see you punch again, I'm going to send you.”
“What does that mean? Then the other time, I heard a ref say, "If you did hit, if you did make contact, I would have sent you.”
“But the question is what was the intention? My point has always been, because I was a little bit on the receiving end. Okay? Watch your intention.”