Levani Botia to play 250th match for Stade Rochelais

Fijian rugby player Levani Botia is set to reach a historic milestone as he plays his 250th match for Stade Rochelais during an away game against Section Paloise.

Having joined the club in 2014 initially as a medical joker, the 37-year-old lock has become an iconic figure for the team. Botia noted that while he did not expect to reach such a significant number of appearances, he is enjoying his longevity. Regarding his future, he stated that his retirement will ultimately depend on his physical condition, noting, “If my body wants to stop, I stop.”

In addition to his on-field performance, Botia has taken on a leadership role, focusing on mentoring the club's younger generation of players. His recent form during the 2025/2026 season even earned him a recall to the Fiji national team.