Orrell make late move for Botica

Rugby Union

Moseley appeared to have seen off rival clubs hoping to sign the New Zealand stand-off Frano Botica from Castleford rugby league club yesterday, but Orrell made a late, substantial offer. Botica has asked Orrell to put their offer in writing and he has said he will look at it.

Moseley had hoped to sign the 32-year-old on a two-year contract later this week. Sale, of the First Division, and Richmond, of the Third, were also after Botica. Moseley, who are seeking to raise money through a business consortium in order to attract top players and compete in the hard world of professional rugby union, were looking to Botica to match what the former All Black captain Wayne Shelford managed when he joined Second Division Northampton a few years ago and helped them into the top division.