Botha to leave Bulls for Ulster
Botha will link up with Irish Province Ulster ahead of the 2017-2018 European season.
"Arno received a very good offer from Ulster," said Xander Janse van Rensburg, the High Performance Manager of the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd. "We have been in constant discussions with Arno about his future since 2016.
"We want to thank him for his contribution, we are thankful and proud of what he has done. The situation is that we can't financially make an offer close to what he's currently earning. Luckily we have great players coming through that we will be investing in.
"He is still a big player for us in the coming months and we are expecting some meaningful contributions from him as we embark on a tough Super Rugby campaign.
"We know he will be successful with Ulster. He is a very professional player. Both parties are in unison that it’s the best move for him at this stage of his career."
Botha said he was comfortable with the decision.
"I have achieved such a lot with the Bulls and will give my all to help the team to try and win the Super Rugby title in 2017, something that has eluded me so far in my career," said Botha.
"I am only leaving at the end of the campaign and is highly motivated to deliver for the team. The decision to move to Ulster was taken after considerable thought from my side and I feel it is the right time in my career to feel what rugby in the Northern Hemisphere is all about. Till then, I am as passionate about the Bulls as I have ever been."
Commenting on Botha's arrival, Director of Rugby Les Kiss said: "Arno was tipped to be a future Springboks captain from a young age but his career was somewhat curtailed by injuries after he made his international debut in 2013. Those injuries are behind him now and he has regained his best form over the past 12 months.
"His leadership and abrasiveness will be key attributes for us over the next couple of seasons. He is very aggressive in attack and his ability to get over the gainline will be especially good for us. Arno is also strong in defence, he's a nuisance at the breakdown and he's a good line-out option, so he has a very well-rounded game.
"He is an ambitious young man and he is determined to make an impact with us. He is a serious competitor who is willing to work hard to earn his jersey. I believe he will settle well in our environment and become a huge fan favourite here at Kingspan Stadium.
"Bryn Cunningham and myself have been working hard to add quality and depth to our squad for next season, particularly up front, and Arno is a great addition in that respect. Marcell [Coetzee] is yet to play for us so he will almost be like a new signing too. In the coming weeks, we will announce a further addition to strengthen the forward pack, as well as the retention of some of our high-profile current players."
