Ben Botica

Ben Botica
Full name Benjamin Botica
Date of birth 7 October 1989
Place of birth Takapuna, New Zealand
Height 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Weight 85 kg (13 st 5 lb)
Notable relative(s) Frano Botica
Occupation(s) Professional rugby union footballer
Rugby union career
Playing career
Position Fly-Half, Centre
Professional / senior clubs
Years Club / team Caps (points)
2011–12
2012–		 Périgueux
Harlequins		 18
66		 (208)
(345)
correct as of 27 February 2015.
Provincial/State sides
Years Club / team Caps (points)
2009–12 North Harbour 17 (168)

Ben Botica (born 7 October 1989,[n 1] Takapuna) is a New Zealand born[n 2] rugby union Fly-Half or Centre. He plays for English Premiership club Harlequins since joining them at the start of the 2012/13 season.

Biography

Son of the New Zealand international Frano Botica, Benjamin Botica was born on 7 October 1989 in Takapuna.[2] He played rugby at school and was selected to play for the New Zealand Schoolboys team.[2] In 2008, he spent a year in France where he played with the Academy[n 3] team of Biarritz Olympique.[3]

He then returned to his native country where he joined the North Harbour team. He played his first professional match in August 2009 against Southland in the Air New Zealand Cup.[4] In 2011, he narrowly missed out on selection for the Auckland Blues franchise and the chance to play in the Super 15.[2] He decided to return to France where he played the 2011-2012 Pro D2 season with CA Périgueux.[3]

Late in the season, it was announced that he had signed a two-year contract with Harlequins[1] though he actually signed in October 2011.[5]

Botica plays at Fly-half or Centre.[2]

In his initial season with Harlequins, he was the top points scorer (with 78) in the LV= Cup.[6]

Notes

  1. ↑ On his date of birth, his Harlequins Biography[2] states 7 October, whereas ITSrugby[3] says 10 July. Obviously a month/day transposition.
  2. ↑ He holds a UK passport.[1]
  3. ↑ Espoirs in French

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Versatile, young New Zealand back signs for Harlequins". www.quins.co.uk. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Harlequins biography". www.quins.co.uk. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Fiche Joueur". www.itsrugby.fr. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  4. ↑ "Botica Jr lines up for Harbour". www.stuff.co.nz. 25 August 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  5. ↑ "Harlequins bring in Kiwi fly-half". www.espnscrum.com. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  6. ↑ "Anglo-Welsh Cup : Stat 2012/2013". www.itsrugby.co.uk. Retrieved 18 March 2013.