Ben Botica

Ben Botica

Full name	Benjamin Botica
Date of birth	7 October 1989
Place of birth	Takapuna, New Zealand
Height	180 cm (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Weight	85 kg (13 st 5 lb)
Notable relative(s)	Frano Botica
Occupation(s)	Professional rugby union footballer
Rugby union career
Playing career
Position	Fly-Half, Centre
Amateur clubs
Years	Club / team
	North Shore[2]
Professional / senior clubs
Years	Club / team	Caps	(points)
2011–2012 2012–	Périgueux Harlequins	18 93	(208) (544)
correct as of 1 May 2016.
Provincial/State sides
Years	Club / team	Caps	(points)
2009–2012	North Harbour	17	(168)

Ben Botica (born 7 October 1989,^{[n 1]} Takapuna) is a New Zealand born^{[n 2]} rugby union Fly-Half or Centre.

The son of the New Zealand international Frano Botica, Benjamin Botica was born on 7 October 1989 in Takapuna.^[3] He played rugby at school and was selected to play for the New Zealand Schoolboys team.^[3] In 2008, he spent a year in France where he played with the Academy^{[n 3]} team of Biarritz Olympique.^[4]

He then returned to his native country where he joined the North Harbour team. He played his first professional match in August 2009 against Southland in the Air New Zealand Cup.^[5] In 2011, he narrowly missed out on selection for the Auckland Blues franchise and the chance to play in the Super Rugby.^[3] He decided to return to France where he played the 2011-2012 Pro D2 season with CA Périgueux.^[4]

Late in the season, it was announced that he had signed a two-year contract with Harlequins^[1] though he actually signed in October 2011.^[6]

Botica plays at Fly-half or Centre.^[3]

In his initial season with Harlequins, he was the top points scorer (with 78) in the LV= Cup.^[7]

Notes

1. On his date of birth, his Harlequins Biography^[3] states 7 October, whereas ITSrugby^[4] says 10 July. Obviously a month/day transposition.
2. He holds a UK passport.^[1]
3. Espoirs in French

References

1. "Versatile, young New Zealand back signs for Harlequins". www.quins.co.uk. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
2. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10506449
3. "Harlequins biography". www.quins.co.uk. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
4. "Fiche Joueur". www.itsrugby.fr. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
5. "Botica Jr lines up for Harbour". www.stuff.co.nz. 25 August 2009. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
6. "Harlequins bring in Kiwi fly-half". www.espnscrum.com. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
7. "Anglo-Welsh Cup : Stat 2012/2013". www.itsrugby.co.uk. Retrieved 18 March 2013.