X-Nico

2 unusual facts about Frano Botica


Frano Botica

He was a part of the first ever New Zealand sevens team to win a Hong Kong Sevens title.

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Botica joined the Wigan rugby league club in British league in 1990 in what was an exodus of All Black backs to rugby league including Matthew Ridge (Manly-Warringah), John Gallagher (Leeds) and John Schuster Newcastle).


1991 Trans-Tasman Test series

Goal kicking Wigan-based utility back Frano Botica, who had made his Kiwi debut in the first test against France, was preferred to Manly-Warringah goal kicking fullback Matthew Ridge for the three tests, while the only Kiwi on debut in Melbourne was Christchurch-born, South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Jason Williams, playing the first of 12 career tests.


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