Springbok World Cup winner Brendon James Botha, joined Ulster Rugby at the start of the 08/09 season. The South African born powerhouse, better known as BJ, has established himself as an integral part the Ulster front row, playing at tight head.

Formally of South Africa's Natal Sharks, BJ is highly rated by his peers as a technically sound and powerful scrummager, who before leaving South Africa, was one cap shy of a half century in the domestic Currie Cup. He made his first professional appearance with the Sharks in 2001 and represented South Africa at U21 level that same season. His South African test debut came as a replacement against New Zealand in 2006, ending his debut season with a tour of England and Ireland in November. To date, he has won 16 caps for his Country, and was part of South Africa's 2007 World Cup wining squad. BJ also has three Tri-Nations caps to his name.

After the 08/09 season finished, BJ went onto play two games with The Barbarians, against England and Australia.