Chrysander Botha’s hoping for home advantage at Exeter

Namibian flyer Chrysander Botha has revealed why he turned down offers from France to try his hand in the Premiership with Exeter Chiefs.
Botha, who numbers Percy Montgomery and Christian Cullen amongst his boyhood heroes, had been lining up a move to the cash-rich Top 14.
But when the Chiefs came calling the former Golden Lions star had no hesitation quitting Johannesburg for a new life in deepest Devon.
“It’s a great club, an amazing Namibian flyer Chrysander Botha has revealed why he turned down offers from France to try his hand in the Premiership with Exeter Chiefs.
Botha, who numbers Percy Montgomery and Christian Cullen amongst his boyhood heroes, had been lining up a move to the cash-rich Top 14.
But when the Chiefs came calling the former Golden Lions star had no hesitation quitting Johannesburg for a new life in deepest Devon.
“It’s a great club, an amazing town and the boys have been very welcoming. There’s never a dull moment,” the effervescent full-back told TRP.
“I’d planned to move abroad next year, but it came sooner than I expected because (head coach) Rob Baxter said Exeter needed cover at full-back. They’d had a good look at me, liked what they saw and thought I’d fit into their system.
“My contract with the Lions was until 2015 and I was looking forward to playing Currie Cup before potentially going to France, where there were a couple of options. But as soon as I got a hint of Exeter I just said, ‘yes, let’s go with it’.
“I’d done a bit of background on the club and saw they had a good team and great players. My agent knew a lot about the coaching staff and told me Rob was one of the best coaches in the Premiership, so it was a really good move to make.
“It was hard leaving the Lions as I’d just got myself established in Super Rugby this year, but I’m happy to be here now.”
Botha demonstrated a Cullen-esque ability last Sunday to step his way to the London Welsh try-line for a fine debut score in Chiefs colours.
“Christian was probably my No.1 idol growing up,” the 26-year-old said. “There is no other Christian Cullen but he’s someone I aspired to be.
“When I was younger I also looked up to Percy Montgomery, the former Springbok full-back, who was born in Walvis Bay, where I’m from, in Namibia.
“Percy was a great player – good under high balls and a good kicker – so I’ve tried to incorporate a bit of both those guys into my game.
“I can slot in on the wing but full-back’s my preferred position. I’m another attacking threat and if I get the ball early I can exploit defenders with my pace, use my footwork to create gaps and link and create opportunities for other guys.”
Having recently helped Namibia qualify for World Cup 2015, Botha is looking forward to games against Tonga and Georgia at Sandy Park. “That’s another reason I came to Exeter,” he explained. “The World Cup’s here and it’s an opportunity to get accustomed to England.
“Namibia gave me an opportunity to play in World Cup 2011 and ever since I started playing for them it’s been a goal to support my people.
“Representing my country is not an option, it’s an honour and a decision I’ll make every time. Hopefully, a few Exeter fans will support Namibia!” My  town and the boys have been very welcoming. There’s never a dull moment,” the effervescent full-back told TRP.
“I’d planned to move abroad next year, but it came sooner than I expected because (head coach) Rob Baxter said Exeter needed cover at full-back. They’d had a good look at me, liked what they saw and thought I’d fit into their system.
“My contract with the Lions was until 2015 and I was looking forward to playing Currie Cup before potentially going to France, where there were a couple of options. But as soon as I got a hint of Exeter I just said, ‘yes, let’s go with it’.
“I’d done a bit of background on the club and saw they had a good team and great players. My agent knew a lot about the coaching staff and told me Rob was one of the best coaches in the Premiership, so it was a really good move to make.
“It was hard leaving the Lions as I’d just got myself established in Super Rugby this year, but I’m happy to be here now.”
Botha demonstrated a Cullen-esque ability last Sunday to step his way to the London Welsh try-line for a fine debut score in Chiefs colours.
“Christian was probably my No.1 idol growing up,” the 26-year-old said. “There is no other Christian Cullen but he’s someone I aspired to be.
“When I was younger I also looked up to Percy Montgomery, the former Springbok full-back, who was born in Walvis Bay, where I’m from, in Namibia.
“Percy was a great player – good under high balls and a good kicker – so I’ve tried to incorporate a bit of both those guys into my game.
“I can slot in on the wing but full-back’s my preferred position. I’m another attacking threat and if I get the ball early I can exploit defenders with my pace, use my footwork to create gaps and link and create opportunities for other guys.”
Having recently helped Namibia qualify for World Cup 2015, Botha is looking forward to games against Tonga and Georgia at Sandy Park. “That’s another reason I came to Exeter,” he explained. “The World Cup’s here and it’s an opportunity to get accustomed to England.
“Namibia gave me an opportunity to play in World Cup 2011 and ever since I started playing for them it’s been a goal to support my people.
“Representing my country is not an option, it’s an honour and a decision I’ll make every time. Hopefully, a few Exeter fans will support Namibia!”
NEALE HARVEY