Botes upbeat on Sharks chances
They will leave for France a day later and will play Toulon in a pre-season match next week Thursday.
Jaques Botes, who retired from rugby at the end of last season, is upbeat about the Sharks prospects this year.
Botes says they have a foundation to build on and are happier than they were in the latter stages of last season.
"I think we will take some confidence from last year, having reached the play-offs. I think if you look at the make up for our squad, it's very balanced. I think being close to the team, one thing that is evident, is really a good spirit and vibe amongst the guys. This was not always the case the last couple of months," he said.
Botes, the most capped player in Absa Currie Cup history is still involved with the Sharks. He explains his new role.
"My responsibilities will be our junior structures. So, everything from helping with with recruitment of junior players up until making sure that all the systems function well. On the senior side I think its our player welfare and that ís to make sure that we help our players prepare for life after rugby. That is everything from education to work experience, to skills, to financial advice. So a holistic approach," Botes added.
(File Photo: Andre Bloem)
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