Springbok legend Naas Botha is encouraging a former Cheetahs kicking ace to pursue a career in the NFL.
Gerrie Labuschagné has decided to retire from rugby after a four-season stint at the Houston Sabercats in Major League Rugby. He was recruited in 2022 by then head coach Heyneke Meyer.
“I had to retire because I genuinely could not afford to keep playing rugby. I have two kids,” the 31-year-old told Rapport.
A video of Labuschagné kicking with the Houston Texans (below) drew about 700,000 views and several agents have reached out.
Botha was among those who motivated him to use his prodigious kicking boot in the NFL.
“He said: ‘Gerrie, this is your job and you have to do it,’” Labuschagné said.
The pair met at the Springboks’ Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore and at a South African Embassy function in Washington, DC.
“It was crazy, because Naas Botha was the guy to look up to when I was a kid.”
ALSO: Naas lands new gig in USA
Labuschagné says Botha, who lives in Kansas, added: “If you need help, let me know, and if you need coaching, come to Kansas – I will help you.”
He plans to reach the NFL within two to three years and will attend the newly-formed United Football League kicker trials next month.
(@gerrie_labuschagne)Photo: Steve Haag/@gerrie_labuschagne/Gallo Images/Instagram
The post Naas backs ex-Cheetah’s NFL dream appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok legend Naas Botha is encouraging a former Cheetahs kicking ace to pursue a career in the NFL.
The post Naas backs ex-Cheetah’s NFL dream appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
