Mouritz Botha proud to represent England on his return to South Africa

Mouritz Botha feels proud to be representing two nations on England’s three-Test tour of South Africa. But the Saracens lock insists there will be no split loyalties when hostilities erupt between Stuart Lancaster’s men and the Springboks.

Botha, who hails from the northern cape, forged his professional rugby career in England after moving to Bedford eight years ago, when he juggled rugby with a part-time job removing asbestos.

The dreams Botha once held of representing the Springboks have been left behind, replaced by a fully-fledged commitment to England.

When Lancaster took charge, his first task was to restore a sense of pride in the England jersey. Each player had to consider what it meant to them. “I am very proud of where I come from, proud of my heritage but I have had a long road to walk and I have had to work really hard to get to where I am today,” Botha said. “I have more invested in playing for England. I spent the majority of my adult life forging a living and trying to achieve and realise my dream. It makes it all the more special. Playing a Test match is something not a lot of people can say they have done.

“Being a teenager, being a little boy you always had that dream. Realising that dream is immensely special. It is a moment, a feeling you cherish every time you do it. I am very proud of what I have achieved. In a way I feel like I am representing two nations and the best way to do it is for me to perform well and to play with pride.”

While Brad Barritt joined Saracens having played Super Rugby and represented junior Springbok sides, Botha never made it at representative level in South Africa. He was signed by Saracens after one meeting, and before Brendan Venter had ever seen him play, on the basis of his desire to reach the top.

“I have grown up (in the eight years I have been in England),” Botha said. “I know myself much better as a person, as a player. I have learned a lot in life and in rugby. I think I am much more equipped to deal with the challenges that either life or rugby throws at me.”

There are few bigger, certainly in rugby terms, than a three-Test series in South Africa. England have never attempted one before. “Springbok rugby is based around forward domination and the backs scoring tries, a good kicking game and a massive defensive game,” Botha said.

Botha is acutely aware of the stick that awaits him through the course of England’s five-match tour, the jibes that he was not good enough to be a Springbok. He won’t be the first. Kevin Pietersen famously withstood a barrage of abuse when he returned to South Africa as part of the England cricket team.

Mike Catt, now England’s backs coach, walked the same path and he sat down with Botha to warn him what lies ahead. “I definitely expect to get some stick. I am prepared for it,” Botha said. “My job is to prepare well, make the side and do whatever I can to help us win.

“Catty has been there. He has experienced all the good and bad about going back and playing in South Africa.

“I have picked his brains already. I will do some more. That is part of preparing myself for what we are about to face.

“I am playing for England now. I am going out there to win a Test series. With the group of players we have, and with the team spirit that exists, we can do it.”