Choosday Chat With Exiles Back Row Jaen Botes
Dubai Exiles and UAE Internationalย rugby player Jaen Botes talks spiders, spaghetti hoops, and super models with us.
FACT FILE
Age: 28 (5th March 1990)
Born: Pretoria, South Africa
Club: Dubai Exiles
Position: Back Row
Height: 196cm
Weight: 113kg
UAE 15’s Caps: 6
UAE 7’s Caps: 13
What do you get up to in your spare time during the off season?
The last few seasons I’ve just been trying to keep busy, whether it’s in the gym or on an empty rugby field. Plus, Iโm not gonna lie, I do like to increase my appetite!
Whats the weirdest thing you’ve experienced on a rugby pitch?
A team player once had a massive crying fit at halftime on the pitch. It happened here in the UAE, was an awkward experience and I didn’t know what to do.
Do you have any nicknames?
The UAE boys call me “Shelf”, I always refer to my midsection as my shelf and how I treat it and wish it wasn’t always on display.
Do you have any phobias?
I have a few but the worst one must be Spiders… I canโt stand them.
Whats the most challenging thing about playing rugby here in Dubai?
There are a few but I must say, the most challenging thing would be trying to adapt to all of the other players in a team as everyone plays their game at different levels, so not everyone is equivalently experienced.
Who does the cooking in your house and how do you prepare for match days?
My wife is a good cook on a good day…haha, I normally cook as she’s too busy with all of the other duties. Normally I try to have the biggest full English breakfast as possible, I must have my tin of spaghetti hoops though! I donโt tend to eat much before a game. I tend to stick to just the usual espresso a few hours before kick off.
Who are the jokers at the Exiles?
There are a few but Alex Fowler must be the highlight. There’s never a dull moment when he’s around.
If you could be any of your teammate, who would it be?
It must be Danny Waddy, what a tank and an utter gent off the field.
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with?
Depends on what context… Haha, surely this is a trick question? I have to say I wouldn’t mind being stuck in a lift with Candice Swanepoel (South African super model).
What’s your guilty pleasure?
A bag of Cheetos in bed with love Island on the projector.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Invisibility, for many reasons!!
Your Mastermind specialist subject?
Rugby, I basically live and breathe it.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I don’t know, I would like to think I’m good at golf but I’m sure someone will tell me different.
About the author
Alex Johnson
I'm a passionate digital marketer based in Dubai who enjoys rugby, photography and the outdoors. I've been helping businesses grow their online presence for over 20 years with clients based all across the globe.