Ulster confirm Botha won't be heading home

The experienced tighthead prop moved to Ravenhill early last season and has since become an integral part of an Ulster side that currently sit joint second in the Magners League standings.

A front row injury crisis during last month's autumn internationals led to a surprise international recall for the World Cup winner, with suggestions then circulating that Botha is keen to reignite his Springbok career with a move back to southern hemisphere rugby.

But Ulster's director of Rugby Operations has made it clear that there is 'no way' the 29-year-old will be walking out of his contract.

"No way (is he on his way home]," Humphreys told the Irish Independent.

"Brian McLaughlin and the coaching staff see BJ as one of the cornerstones of what is a young Ulster team and he is very much a part of what we are trying to achieve in terms of bringing the team through.

"He is enjoying his time at Ulster Rugby and plays a hugely important role for us."

Botha will miss Friday night's Magners League clash against Glasgow Warriors at Ravenhill with a knee injury but should return in time for the Boxing Day clash at Leinster.