Profile:

Name: Louis Jacques Botes
Date of Birth: 28/11/1980
Highest honour/achievements: Provincial
Favourite food: Lamb chops on the Braai
Ambitions: Help the Sharks win the Super 15
Sporting heroes: Ruben Kruger; Gary Player
Hobbies: Reading; Golf; Squash

Biography:

He's easily identifiable when he runs out for the Sharks in his bright red scrum-cap, and Jacques Botes is the man the fans identify with as the flank who's always been at the centre of the action since making his debut for the team in 2005.

The first known photo of Jacques is of him in his crib, with a rugby ball that was almost as big as he was, alongside him.

"I suppose my Dad had something to do with that ...." jokes the laid-back star. "I've always loved the game!"

It's something that rugby fans have been grateful for, as Botes has shone for the Sharks.

He's been a key man of the team regardless of whether he he has been paired with the big bruisers like Jean Deysel and Willem Alberts, or smaller fetchers like Keegan Daniel, and is often the link between the forwards and backs.

Among his favourite memories are being part of two winning Currie Cup sides with the Sharks, in 2008 and 2010.

"It's great doing something I love as a job," he says.

Despite having turned 30 towards the end of last year, he still has ambitions of helping the team win a maiden Super 15 title, and scored the opening try of the season for them on Saturday in the game against the Cheetahs at Mr Price King's Park.

With his big-hearted never-say-die attitude, maybe 2011 will see him fulfil this ambition too.