Renaldo Bothma invites listeners into the transformative journey of his life, detailing the highs and lows that led to the creation of Octofield. From the excitement of the rugby field, where he made a name for himself, to the struggles of mental health and identity after his playing career was cut short by injuries, Renaldo shares his candid experiences. After a promising career in the UK with Harlequins, injuries left him sidelined, spiraling into depression and alcohol dependency. However, a chance call from a former teammate reignited his passion for rugby, leading him to compete again and aspire to join the World Cup squad. Tragically, another injury derailed his comeback, forcing him to confront his purpose once more. Through resilience and a commitment to sobriety, Renaldo found the inspiration to establish Octafield—a platform dedicated to supporting athletes navigating life beyond sports. This podcast highlights the importance of community and the need for a supportive network, emphasizing that even in darkness, there is hope, and change is possible. Renaldo’s mission is clear: to ensure athletes have a space to share their stories, find support, and redefine their identities beyond the game.

The emotional weight of Renaldo Bothma's narrative resonates throughout the podcast, as he reflects on the intersection of sports, identity, and mental health. The discussion delves into the often-overlooked challenges athletes face when transitioning out of professional sports. The importance of structure, purpose, and community becomes evident as Renaldo describes his journey from the cheers of the rugby field to the solitude of recovery. His story is not just about personal struggle but also about the collective experience of athletes who may feel isolated after their careers end. Through Octafield, Renaldo aims to create a lifeline for these individuals, fostering an environment where they can channel their experiences into something meaningful.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the mission of Octafield, as Renaldo outlines his vision for a comprehensive platform that enhances athlete support. He speaks passionately about the potential for technology to revolutionize how athletes connect and share their experiences, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey. Whether it’s through personal stories, shared wisdom, or resources for navigating life after sports, Octafield represents a new era for rugby and athlete well-being. The podcast not only serves as an introduction to this initiative but also as a call to action for athletes, fans, and communities to come together and build a supportive network that addresses the unique challenges faced by sports professionals.

The podcast culminates in an invitation for listeners to join Renaldo on this path of transformation, emphasizing the power of community in overcoming adversity. As he articulates his journey, it becomes clear that Octafield is not just a project but a shared commitment to enhancing the lives of athletes everywhere. Renaldo’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the unwavering belief that change is possible, inspiring others to seek support and find their own paths to recovery and purpose beyond the game.

Takeaways:

• Renaldo Bothma shares his journey from rugby stardom to battling personal demons after injuries.
• After suffering multiple injuries, Renaldo found solace in creating a supportive community for athletes.
• The launch of Octafield aims to provide athletes with resources and connections for life beyond sports.
• Renaldo emphasizes the importance of mental health and community support in sports transitions.
• Octafield is designed to be a lifeline for athletes facing life after their careers end.
• Renaldo's story highlights the need for change in how we support athletes during transitions.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Harlequins
• Tel Aviv Heat
• Octafield

Hey guys, welcome to the opening of tackling rugby at Octofield podcast.

My name is Reynoldo Bothma.

Many of you might recognize me from the rugby field, a place where the energy is palpable and every moment is charged with a drainage.

But today, I want to share a different side of my story, one that begins when the cheers fade away and all you're left with is yourself.

Seven years ago, I embarked on a journey to the UK, signing a three year deal with Harlequins.

Unfortunately, my time on the field was marred by injuries sidelining me after breaking my arm three times.

Unable to continue playing rugby in the UK, I decided to put my rugby career on hold and focus on my fitness brand bottoms, which I have been dedicated to for the past four years.

However, my life soon spiraled into a dark place.

Without the structure and purpose that rugby provided, I fell into severe depression and anxiety.

I had no support or guidance on how to navigate this new reality.

I turned to alcohol as a means of escape, hiding bottles around the house to keep my struggle a secret from my wife.

It was a low point, a moment of desperation and hopelessness.

Then a lifeline appeared.

My former teammate Dimitri called me with an opportunity to join a new team, Tel Aviv heat, for a competition called the Super cup.

Without hesitation, I jumped at the chance.

I stopped drinking, got back into training and even played for Namibia again.

This opportunity reignited my passion and gave me a sense of purpose, showing me that it was possible to find my way back, not just to the sport, but to a healthier, more hopeful version of myself.

But life threw another curveball during a semi final match in Portugal, I suffered a devastating knee injury, tearing all my ligaments.

This injury not only ended my rugby career, but also left me facing a future I hadn't planned for.

My foot was paralyzed, and with it, a part of my soul felt paralyzed, too.

I went from reclaiming my place in rugby to feeling completely lost once more.

My identity, my purpose, everything I had worked for seemed to crumble away.

I found myself in a dark place again, battling both physical pain and emotional turmoil.

The depression and alcohol abuse returned, and I questioned if my life had any value.

It was during these moments of profound despair that I discovered a new kind of fire within me.

I started the healing process again, stopped drinking completely, and have now been sober for nearly a year.

This journey of struggle and recovery led me to create Octofield.

Octofield is more than just a platform.

It's a community, a lifeline for athletes navigating the uncertainties of life beyond the game.

Here we share personal stories and wisdom, ensuring that no one walks this path alone.

It's a space where we can channel our energy and passion into something meaningful and supportive.

Octofield isn't just another platform, it's our community.

It's about giving athletes, myself included, a place to support each other, share our stories, and build something incredible together.

Even after the final whistle blows, I want to share my story, not for sympathy, but to light a path for those walking in the shadows of transition.

Change is needed, and that change is now.

For too long, we've missed the opportunity to use technology to enhance rugby and support one another.

I want to change that.

From schools and clubs to professional teams, it's time to reclaim the sport we love and ensure our players receive the support they need.

At Octofield, we're building an all in one platform and community where we can truly make a difference in each other's lives.

Join us on this journey and get to know the real athletes you see week in and week out.

We will be introducing Octofield and showcasing what it will offer to athletes, fans and businesses over the coming weeks.

Stay tuned as we unveil how Octofield will revolutionize our community, providing unparalleled support, connection and opportunities for everyone involved in the sport.

Thank you for listening and welcome to Octofield.

Please subscribe to our channel wherever you get podcasts from.