The son of former All Black Frano, Jacob will be swapping the north Wales coast at Colwyn Bay based RGC 1404 for the chance to strut his stuff at Rodney Parade.
Frano spent two seasons with Llanelli scoring 450 points in 42 appearances from 1996 – 1998 and Jacob has proven to be a points machine himself in the Principality Premiership playing at outside half, he's accumulated over 500 points in the competition and was awarded player of the year last campaign.
Botica was born in Wigan, but attended primary school in Wales when his dad switched codes to union, before returning to New Zealand when he was six.
After two seasons with RGC 1404 under the tutelage of head coach Mark Jones, fly half Botica will qualify to play for Wales in a year and who knows could continue to follow his father’s footsteps to become a cult hero in Welsh rugby and success on the international stage.
Botica is quick to praise the role of his RGC Head Coach, former Wales international, Mark Jones when explaining about the move to the Dragons.
“Mark helps us play a good brand of rugby and he must have given me a good couple of words when he spoke to Bernard as he told me Bernard was going to contact me about the move,” said Botica.
“I had a nervous wait by the phone for the call, but when he rang it was still a shock, mixed with excitement. I can’t wait now to get set for the move and be ready for next season.
“I’m looking forward to playing on the Rodney Parade pitch and in front of the passionate Dragons supporters. They are a vocal set of supporters which is great as it gets the boys going.
“Mark helped me a lot with my game, and when Bernard told me about his vision for how he wants the Dragons to play I think it will suit my style of play, so I’m excited about the brand of football and I just love playing fast, free flowing attacking rugby.
“When I rang my dad to tell him the news he was a bit stunned as well but he said to me it was deserved and that I had been working hard for the last ten years for a chance to push for a pro contact, so he’s over the moon for me.
Jones has praised the attitude of both his RGC charges, Botica and his club colleague Tiaan Loots who will both make their move south to join the Men of Gwent.
“We are delighted for both Tiaan and Jacob on their move to the Dragons and it is testimony to the hard work they have put in up here. We can’t offer that higher level of rugby currently, so it is a great chance for them to go in and fulfil their potential in full time rugby," said Mark.
“We offer a holistic approach to players both on and off the field, and they have both been valuable members of the squad and bought into the environment. It is never easy to catch the eye when you are semi-professional so it shows what they have done on the field with their performances."
Jones has seen first-hand the commitment of the players both on and off the field, “Tiaan has been labouring and putting up playgrounds, as well as his commitment to rugby during the past few years and that balance is never easy.
“Some said Jacob was taking a step backwards when he came over here, but his attitude has been superb. We have been linking up Jacob with Sam Rogers, who is coming out of the Academy, with some kicking and skills practice and hopefully this will show him what is needed in terms of time and commitment.
“When we talk about development, both have come in and added to our squad and that’s what you want from players.
“They have had a positive impact, players respect them and they will leave a legacy which the younger players can aspire to, and that is what we want to achieve from our Academy to Senior side."
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Watch this great clip of Jacob's dad Frano from the Wigan RFL archives.
