Renaldo Bothma

Founder & Columnist

Former Namibia captain · Rugby World Cup 2015 · 100+ professional caps · No. 8

Renaldo Bothma is a former professional rugby No. 8 who earned more than 100 caps across the Blue Bulls, Sharks, Pumas, Harlequins and Namibia. He captained Namibia and represented them at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Today he is the founder of Octafield, bringing a player's-eye view to South African and international rugby — the tactics, the selections and the stories behind the results.

Latest from Renaldo

cricket

New Zealand Beat West Indies by One Wicket in Thriller

New Zealand beat West Indies by one wicket in a tense 189-run chase. Renaldo Bothma breaks down the tactics and turning points from this ODI classic.

2d ago

u20_championship

Junior Springboks U20 Win Back-to-Back World Championship

South Africa's Junior Springboks U20 defeated France 16-5 in Tbilisi to defend their world title. Renaldo Bothma on what makes this squad truly special.

2d ago

currie_cup

Currie Cup Results Round 1: Every Match Reviewed

Renaldo Bothma breaks down the Currie Cup Results Round 1 — five Premier Division thrillers, two First Division semis and what it all means for 2026.

2d ago

currie_cup_first

SWD Rugby Into Finals After 59-10 Currie Cup Demolition

SWD Rugby storms into the Currie Cup First Division final with a ruthless 59-10 win over the Leopards. Renaldo Bothma on Meyer's brilliant Eagles.

2d ago

f1

Andrea Kimi Antonelli Wins Belgium F1 Grand Prix at Spa

Andrea Kimi Antonelli wins the Belgium Grand Prix at Spa in dominant fashion. Renaldo Bothma breaks down the podium, Hadjar's stunning drive and more.

2d ago

general

Junior Springboks U20 World Champs 2026: Baby Boks Crowned

South Africa's Baby Boks are U20 world champions in waiting. A gritty 16-5 win over France proves this squad wins every way. Renaldo Bothma reports.

3d ago

Nations Championship

Joe Schmidt Farewell: Wallabies Stun Italy 57-10 in Perth

Australia sent Joe Schmidt off in style with a stunning 57-10 demolition of Italy in Perth. Nine tries, a 47-point margin — the Wallabies are back.

3d ago

Nations Championship

All Blacks vs Ireland Eden Park: 40-21 Win Sends a Warning

The All Blacks beat Ireland 40-21 at Eden Park, extending their unbeaten home record to 53 Tests. Renaldo Bothma on what the result really means.

4d ago

currie_cup

Sharks XV vs Pumas Currie Cup 2026: 26-24 Thriller

The Sharks edged a gutsy Pumas side 26-24 in Nelspruit. Renaldo Bothma breaks down a Currie Cup thriller that went right to the wire.

4d ago

currie_cup

Pumas vs Sharks XV Currie Cup 2026: Tim Swiel Returns

Tim Swiel is back at the Sharks XV for the Currie Cup 2026 opener against the Pumas. Here's why his return could be the difference at Mbombela.

14 Jul

SCRUM

currie_cup

Boland Cavaliers Currie Cup Squad 2026: Full 45-Man List

The full Sanlam Boland Cavaliers squad for the 2026 Currie Cup Premier Division: all 45 players by position, key signings, captain and coach — plus their opening fixtures in Wellington.

13 Jul

currie_cup_first

Currie Cup First Division Round Up: SWD Dominate, EP Rise

SWD crushed Border 87-17 while EP climbed to second. Renaldo Bothma breaks down all three matches in this Currie Cup First Division round up.

09 Jul

craven_week

Craven Week 2026 Day 3: Behardien Stuns Sharks After the Hooter

Craven Week 2026 Day 3 results: WP beat the Sharks with the last kick, the tournament's first red card, a Jantjies hat-trick and EP's one-point escape at Grey High.

08 Jul

currie_cup

Bulls Currie Cup Squad 2026: Embracing the Chaos

Phiwe Nomlomo's Bulls Currie Cup squad 2026 is built for chaos — three away openers, Bok call-ups and unknown faces. Here's why that might just work.

08 Jul

Schools

Craven Week 2026 Day 2 Results: Lions Stun Bulls on Comeback Day

All four winners trailed at half-time on a stunning day in Gqeberha. Relive every Craven Week 2026 Day 2 result, try-scorer and talking point.

07 Jul

Schools

Craven Week 2026 Day 1: Free State Stun, WP Survive

Free State ran riot and Western Province were pushed to the brink. Here's everything that happened on a remarkable Craven Week 2026 Day 1 in Gqeberha.

06 Jul

Nations Championship

Evan Roos Springboks: Why Scotland Is His World Cup Audition

Evan Roos faces his biggest Springbok test yet against Scotland. Renaldo Bothma explains why this Nations Championship clash is a 2027 World Cup audition.

06 Jul

Nations Championship

Springboks Team To Face Scotland: Ten Changes at Loftus

Rassie Erasmus makes ten changes as the Springboks team to face Scotland is named. Pollard and Papier lead a reshuffled XV at Loftus Versfeld.

06 Jul

Nations Championship

Springboks Too Physical for England in Dominant Display

The Springboks overpowered England from the first whistle. Renaldo Bothma breaks down a dominant Bok performance and what England must fix.

04 Jul

Nations Championship

Andre Esterhuizen Impact: Why the Bench Role Makes Sense

Renaldo Bothma explains why the Andre Esterhuizen impact off the bench could be the Springboks' smartest weapon against a tiring England side.

04 Jul

Nations Championship

New Zealand Survives France Fightback in 34-32 Thriller

The All Blacks edged France 34-32 in a Nations Championship classic. Renaldo Bothma breaks down how New Zealand held on and what it means.

04 Jul

Nations Championship

Henry Pollock vs Springboks: England Got the Selection Wrong

Renaldo Bothma argues England made a selection mistake by benching Henry Pollock — the one player who could genuinely disrupt the Springboks.

03 Jul