Botha released by Quins
Harlequins agree to mutual termination of hooker Gary Botha's contract
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By Alistair Potter. |  |
Tuesday, 29, Sep 2009 10:20
By Alistair Potter.
Harlequins and hooker Gary Botha have agreed to a mutual termination of his contract so he can return home to South Africa.
Botha, a former Springbok international, has been with Quins for the last two seasons but is keen to return to his homeland for family reasons and will do so after this weekend's game against Bath in the Guinness Premiership.
"I have clearly enjoyed my time at Quins and it is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving," the front-row explained.
"I would like to place on record my gratitude to Quins for agreeing to my situation and allowing an early release from my contract.
"I have made many friends in my time at the club and will watch with interest the progress of the team."
Head coach John Kingston said he is "personally very saddened" to see Botha depart, adding his praise for the player as an "integral part of the recent success of Quins".
"Equally, the club understands his situation and were clearly happy to facilitate his return back home," he concluded.
After a summer of upheaval at the Stoop, which has seen chairman Charles Jillings, director of rugby Dean Richards and physio Steph Brennan all leave the club over the 'bloodgate' scandal, Quins have had a difficult start to the 2009/10 season.
Four games into the new season and the Twickenham-based club are still searching for their first win after three defeats and a 17-17 draw against Newcastle Falcons last Friday.