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.

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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