Will a South African prop anchor the Welsh scrum at the RWC?

As a result of World Rugby’s five-year residence restriction, South African-born front-rower Tom Botha might get a Test call-up for Wales.

In this crucial World Cup year, Wales’ tighthead prop depth appears to be somewhat depleted due to the injuries of numerous frontrunners and the inexperience of the backups.

According to Wales Online, South African Tom Botha could be the solution to the Welsh’s scrum woes.

Before joining the Ospreys in 2018, Botha was a senior rugby player for Western Province, the Kings, and the Cheetahs. After three years of residency, the power scrummager will be eligible to represent Wales at the international level on August 31, 2021.

As a result of World Rugby’s adjustment from a three-year to a five-year residency rule, Botha was again ineligible for selection because he was not capped at the time. The additional two years Botha needed to be eligible for Wales selection again are soon to expire, meaning he has a good chance of making Wales’ World Cup squad.

Toby Booth, head coach of the Ospreys, answered favourably when asked how he evaluated Botha’s development and if the player is viewed as a potential possibility for Wales coach Warren Gatland later this year.

“Recent performances have demonstrated the significance of scrums,” Booth added.

“Tommy is unquestionably a specialist scrummager, so it depends on what you want from the No. 3 jersey. Booth alluded to Botha’s prospective Wales call-up by stating, “against certain opposition, you need more of this or less of that”

The fact that we have a legitimate rotation policy for props demonstrates his growth. It’s not because we believe it’s the decent thing to do or because we want everyone to be happy. Booth remarked on Botha’s chances of making the Wales team, “You have to be good enough to be included in that rotation.”

Botha, 32, comes from Bellville in Cape Town and attended and played for the prestigious Paul Roos school in Stellenbosch.