Bakkies Botha's nine-week ban could be the turning point in his career according to those who know the Springbok and Vata Ngobeni in The Star.

"On Thursday, Botha met with Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, with an affirmation by the Bulls to support their beleaguered lock. "Botha, 30, has one more year to run on his Bulls contract and speculation is rife that he could leave for big money overseas after next year's World Cup.Meanwhile, there has been some closure following the head-butting incident. "Bakkies did go on TV on Monday night and apologised to the nation and we back him 100 percent in this," said Ludeke. "He put his hand up, accepted responsibility for his actions and said his actions weren't good enough."