UAE international Jaen Botes back where it all began at Dubai Exiles after leaving Abu Dhabi Saracens

Matt Jones - Editor 00:36 09/07/2017
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  • Jaen Botes.

    Jaen Botes is another player on the move from Abu Dhabi Saracens this summer, but whereas others have been chastised for departing, the stocky South African’s move to Dubai Exiles is actually a homecoming.

    It is the place where the muscular back row menace cut his teeth as a 15-year-old when he first moved to the UAE in 2004. If you’ve ever come face to face with the burly Botes, it surely won’t surprise you to discover that he has long been a giant among men, featuring for Exiles’ Under-19s in his first season, while he had made his senior debut by 17.

    The last decade has seen him make his mark around the globe, including representing the Cardiff Blues, Scarlets and playing for various Welsh Premiership sides after his Dubai Sevens debut in 2007 saw him offered a scholarship at prestigious Llandovery College in Mid Wales – a finishing school for current British & Irish Lions stars Alun-Wyn Jones and George North.

    Now 27, Botes is back where it all began and eager to get down to business. Chiefly, causing mayhem anywhere he can find it.

    “I’m pretty stoked about the move,” UAE international Botes said of his return to Exiles.

    “It’s exciting times moving ahead and I’m looking forward to the hard work and the challenge that lies ahead. I’m excited to get going.”

    After returning to prominence with a fantastic West Asia Premiership and UAE Premiership double in 2015/16, last term saw Exiles brought back down to earth with a bump as Abu Dhabi Harlequins swept all before them to win the quintuple.

    Exiles slumped to fifth and fourth-placed finishes respectively – hardly the best way to bring up their 50th year – but Botes hopes his arrival can help them get back to winning ways.

    Botes in action for the UAE against the UAE Conference Baa Baas

    Botes in action for the UAE against the UAE Conference Baa Baas

    “I’m definitely here to win,” added Botes, who was with Sarries when they lifted the West Asia title in 2014/15, although he was ineligible for the final against Doha.

    “Everyone knows how dangerous Exiles can be. It’s about winning and getting back on top. With that comes a lot of tension but I’m willing to put in the hard work. Open a new page and keep working hard.

    “There’s a few boys that have been there a few years so I’m not going to just step into a position, I’m going to have to work hard. I’ve still got a lot to prove to earn that jersey on a Friday.
    “For everyone in the league the main aim is to come out on top. The Quins are a very competitive club but every year clubs are taking a step up and it becomes more competitive each year. Hopefully the hard work will pay off and it will be a good season.

    “The main aim for me is to focus on key areas where I can improve and take it from there. Work on my own game and hopefully that will be of benefit to my new club.”

    After that euphoric triumph with Sarries three seasons ago, the following two campaigns have been something of a different story for the Al Ghazal club, who finished rock bottom of both West Asia and UAE Premiership in 2016/17.

    While with Sarries he has floundered, Botes has flourished at international level, making his UAE debut on the Asia Rugby Championship tour to Malaysia in 2015, since going on to become a staple part of Apollo Perelini’s XV and sevens squads.

    Botes is actually relocating to Dubai with work and he also felt the time was right to move on with rugby too.

    “I’ve had three good years at Saracens. I’ve met some good friends and played some good rugby there,” he said.

    “The last two years hasn’t really been what we wanted to achieve or what was implemented by Ali (Thompson) at the very start when I came back.

    “It was a choice based on me relocating to Dubai and summing up my options. Which club would provide me with the best platform to improve my game. They (Exiles) play the style of rugby I want to play, an open game and I believe it suits me better to join them.

    Botes during his days with Sarries

    Botes during his days with Sarries

    “There was no other choice. The fact that I was there early on plays a part. I love the club. They provided me with a platform when I was younger, allowed me to progress.”

    After playing with Llandovery, both for the College and the Welsh Premiership side, Botes moved on to university at Swansea Metropolitan, where he was captain, before a brief stint back home in South Africa and even Qatar, ending with a return to be with his family in the Emirates.

    He joins compatriots Durandt Gerber, the fly-half who was in Italy’s training squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and head coach Jacques Benade at Exiles, while he is also looking forward to learning from Ireland’s ex-Munster back Denis Hurley, Exiles’ new defence coach.

    “I’m a big fan of Jacques’ coaching and excited to see what he brings for me. I’m sure I can learn a lot from him,” added Botes.

    “He’s been a coach at a high level and he’ll bring that level of professionalism into the club. He’s already shown that and you can see what he’s implemented. It was one of the main things that attracted me to the Exiles.

    “The coaching and the level of detail to the approach from him and the people around him. Obviously Denis has come in and I think he will bring in a big positive too. He’s only taken one session but you can see the level of skill and knowledge he has.

    “Anyone who’s played that sort of level for Munster will bring intensity and knowledge. So I’m very excited to learn a lot of new things.

    “I’ve asked them to look at my game and see where I can improve, so it will be another learning curve this season. This season is all about on focusing on areas where I can improve. I believe Jacques and Denis can develop my game.

    “Everyone wants to be at the top. I think the coaching staff Exiles have will be a good asset for me to move forward.”

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