Gary van Ginkel Botha was born on 12 October 1981 in Pretoria. He attended Hoërskool Overkruin and Hoërskool Waterkloof, coming through the traditional Blue Bulls pathway where set-piece standards are exacting. From early on he stood out for powerful scrummaging, a high work rate around the park, and especially for accurate, calm lineout throwing under pressure.

He broke through with the Blue Bulls and the Bulls during a strong era for Pretoria rugby, becoming a dependable figure in Currie Cup and Super Rugby campaigns. His blend of mobility in phase play and precision at the set piece made him a natural connector between tight five and loose forwards, and he earned a reputation as a hooker who did the basics relentlessly well while contributing meaningful meters and tackles.

Botha was rewarded with Springbok selection in 2005 and added further caps across a highly competitive period for South African hookers. While often part of a crowded depth chart, he brought professionalism and reliability whenever called upon, fitting seamlessly into the national systems and partnering effectively with his halfbacks and jumpers.

His career also included successful stints abroad with Harlequins in England and Toulouse in France. At both clubs he added steel and know-how to established forward packs, adapting easily to different rugby cultures and competition demands. Teammates and coaches consistently valued his standards, preparation, and quiet leadership.

After returning home, Botha remained involved in rugby in mentoring and development roles, passing on the detail and discipline that defined his own play. Across provincial, Super Rugby, international, and European stages, Gary Botha’s career is remembered for consistency, toughness, and a set-piece skill set that coaches could trust in big moments.