Levani Botia Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Levani Botia

Levani Botia, widely known by the formidable nicknames “Demolition Man” and “La Machine,” is a Fijian professional rugby union player who has carved out a reputation as one of the most powerful and versatile players in the modern game. Renowned for his bone-jarring tackles, exceptional skill at the breakdown, and surprising agility, Botia is a unique talent, equally adept at playing in the back row as a flanker or in the backline as a centre. His journey from a prison officer in Fiji to a European rugby champion with French club La Rochelle is a testament to his relentless determination and raw talent. A cornerstone for both his club and the Fijian national team, Botia’s physicality and commitment have made him a cult hero among fans and a respected adversary on the field, representing Fiji in multiple Rugby World Cups and playing a pivotal role in La Rochelle’s historic successes.

Levani Botia Overview

Early Life and Education of Levani Botia

Levani Botia Veivuke was born on March 14, 1989, in the rugged, mountainous province of Naitasiri on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. Growing up in what he describes as “the bush,” his childhood was steeped in Fiji’s passionate rugby culture, though resources were scarce. Without access to proper rugby balls, Botia and his friends would improvise, using empty water bottles or even coconuts to play the game they loved. His formal education was brief; he left school after completing class eight (the equivalent of eighth grade) to dedicate himself fully to his dream of pursuing a career in rugby. This decision marked the beginning of a challenging yet determined path toward professional sport.

To chase his ambition, Botia moved to Fiji’s capital, Suva. The transition brought financial hardship. He often had only enough bus fare for a one-way trip to training and would have to walk the 14 kilometers back home. To support himself, he took a job as a prison officer with the Fiji Corrections Service. This demanding role, dealing with difficult and sometimes violent individuals, instilled in him a mental fortitude that he would later credit for his resilience on the rugby pitch. It was during his time as a warden that his rugby talents truly began to surface, as he played for the Warden’s Sevens team in local competitions.

Levani Botia’s Career

Levani Botia’s professional career began not on the 15-a-side pitch, but in the fast-paced world of rugby sevens. While playing for the Warden’s Sevens team, his raw power and talent caught the eye of the legendary Fijian sevens coach, Waisale Serevi. This discovery led to his selection for the national sevens squad. He represented Fiji at the 2011 Pacific Games, where the team won a silver medal. He became a regular on the World Rugby Sevens circuit and had the honor of captaining his country at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Botia made his full international debut for the Flying Fijians (the 15-a-side team) on November 9, 2013, against Portugal, scoring a try in his first appearance. His performances in local competitions for Namosi and on the international stage did not go unnoticed. In March 2014, fellow Fijian player Sireli Bobo recommended him to the French club Stade Rochelais, who were then in the Pro D2, France’s second division. Botia was signed as a short-term “medical joker” to cover for an injured player. This was the gamble of a lifetime; Botia resigned from his prison job and left his family in Fiji for what was essentially a five-match trial.

The risk paid off spectacularly. Within a month, La Rochelle offered him a full contract. He made an immediate impact, scoring two crucial tries in the ProD2 play-off semi-final that helped the club secure promotion to the prestigious Top 14 for the following season. Botia quickly became a cornerstone of the team and a fan favorite, earning nicknames like “Demolition Man” and “La Machine” for his physical dominance and tireless work rate. He and Uini Atonio are the only two players from that 2014 promotion-winning squad who remain with the club.

At La Rochelle, Botia’s versatility became a major asset. Initially playing as a centre or on the wing, he transitioned to the flanker position around 2017, where his incredible strength at the breakdown and tackling prowess could be fully utilized. Under the coaching of Ronan O’Gara, Botia and La Rochelle ascended to the pinnacle of European rugby. They reached the European Rugby Challenge Cup final in 2019 and the Top 14 final in 2021. A significant moment in his career came in the 2021 Champions Cup final, where he became the first player to receive a red card in the final for a high tackle, a match La Rochelle lost to Toulouse. However, this setback was followed by a period of historic triumph. Botia was instrumental in La Rochelle winning back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, both times defeating Irish powerhouse Leinster in the final. On the international stage, Botia has remained a key figure for Fiji, representing his nation at the 2015, 2019, and 2023 Rugby World Cups.

Levani Botia Personal Life & Family

Levani Botia is a dedicated family man. He is married to Emele Veivuke, and the couple has three children: one son and two daughters. His commitment to his family was evident when he made the difficult decision to leave them behind temporarily to take a risky, short-term contract in France in 2014, a move that ultimately secured their future. In a humorous and now well-known story, Botia initially kept his rugby playing a secret from his wife. Concerned about the risk of injury, as his grandfather had warned him, he didn’t tell Emele about his burgeoning career. She discovered his “secret” life by chance while watching television, seeing him play for the Fijian national team in a tournament he had told her was a work trip. After the initial shock, she became his biggest supporter. The family now resides in France, where his children have grown up speaking French. Botia has mentioned that a potential future career path for him after rugby could involve coaching.

Awards and Achievements of Levani Botia

• European Rugby Champions Cup Winner: 2022, 2023
• European Rugby Champions Cup Runner-up: 2021
• Top 14 Runner-up: 2021
• European Rugby Challenge Cup Runner-up: 2019
• Pro D2 Promotion Winner with La Rochelle: 2014
• Pacific Games Silver Medal (Rugby Sevens): 2011
• Player of the Match vs. Georgia, 2023 Rugby World Cup

Levani Botia Net Worth and Income

The specific net worth of Levani Botia is not publicly disclosed. As a high-profile professional rugby player in one of Europe’s top leagues and a regular international, his income is primarily derived from his contract with the La Rochelle rugby club. Additional income sources likely include match fees and bonuses from the Fiji Rugby Union for international appearances, as well as potential personal endorsements or sponsorships. While exact figures are private, his long and successful career at the elite level of European rugby suggests he has earned a substantial income.

Legacy and Influence

Levani Botia’s legacy is that of a modern-day rugby warrior, a player whose journey from humble beginnings to the zenith of European club rugby serves as an inspiration. He is celebrated for his incredible versatility, being one of the few players in the world who can perform at a world-class level in both the forwards and the backs. His “Demolition Man” moniker perfectly encapsulates his playing style: relentlessly physical, devastating in the tackle, and a master of the breakdown, often single-handedly turning the tide of a game. At La Rochelle, he is more than just a player; he is a cult hero and a symbol of the club’s incredible rise from the second division to double European champions. For Fiji, he represents the heart and soul of the “Flying Fijians,” embodying the physicality, passion, and flair that Fijian rugby is known for worldwide.

Interesting Facts about Levani Botia

• Before his professional rugby career took off, Botia worked as a prison officer in Fiji.
• His wife, Emele, famously discovered he was a rugby player by seeing him on TV playing for Fiji, as he had kept his career a secret from her.
• He is one of only two remaining players from the La Rochelle squad that won promotion to the Top 14 in 2014.
• As a child, he and his friends used coconuts or plastic bottles as makeshift rugby balls due to a lack of proper equipment.
• He was the first player to ever be sent off with a red card in a European Champions Cup final (2021).
• His teammates and fans call him “La Machine” (The Machine) in France, while his Fijian teammates often call him “Leps”.

Controversies

The most notable controversy in Levani Botia’s career occurred during the 2021 Heineken Champions Cup final against Toulouse. In the 28th minute of the match, he was shown a red card for a high, dangerous tackle on Toulouse fullback Maxime Médard. This made him the first player to be sent off in the history of the tournament’s final. The disciplinary committee upheld the red card, deeming the tackle to be in the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions for foul play, and he was subsequently suspended for four weeks. Additionally, during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, there were reports of potential player strikes within the Fijian camp regarding payment disputes with the Fiji Rugby Union, an issue that Botia acknowledged has been a long-standing problem.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not disclosed.
• Twitter – Information not disclosed.
• YouTube – Not applicable.

Final Words about Levani Botia

Levani Botia continues to be a formidable force in world rugby. His journey is a powerful narrative of perseverance, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. From the mountains of Naitasiri to the packed stadiums of Europe, he has never forgotten his roots, often citing his tough upbringing and his time as a prison officer as the source of his on-field tenacity. As he enters the later stages of his illustrious career, his influence at La Rochelle remains profound, and his commitment to representing Fiji on the world stage is unwavering. Whether remembered as the “Demolition Man,” “La Machine,” or simply Leps, Levani Botia has cemented his place as one of Fiji’s greatest rugby exports and a true icon of the sport, defined by his incredible power, versatility, and indomitable spirit.

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