Meet Palmer rugby alumnus Cornelius Botha, D.C.

Originally from: Brisbane, QLD Australia
Current location: Anchorage, Alaska
Year graduated: 2021
Name of practice: Ireland Clinic of Chiropractic
Any specializations: Sports Injury and Rehabilitation

Dr. Botha’s Story

Born and raised in South Africa until the age of 8, my family relocated to Brisbane, Australia, which I’ve called home ever since. In high school, I played competitive rugby and graduated with a selection on pre-med. I started playing for the University of Queensland Red Heavies Rugby Club and graduated with my first degree in exercise and nutritional sciences from the University of Queensland, Australia.

While in college I decided to switch from rugby to American football. I went on to earn a football scholarship to the University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, I graduated as an Academic All-American with a degree in kinesiology. I then returned home to Australia, where I worked as an exercise scientist and rehabilitation specialist at a local clinic, while also playing one professional season of football overseas for the Novi Sad GAT Dukes of Serbia, winning the Central European American Football League. After meeting the former head coach and fellow South African Dr. Michael Lawrenson, I was offered the chance to further my education and received a rugby scholarship and the opportunity to study at the oldest and most prestigious chiropractic college in the world, Palmer College.

Rugby has been an important part of my life journey, having brought me to Palmer College, and facilitating several lifelong friendships and connections. If it was not for Palmer rugby and the brothers I met there, I wouldn’t have survived the grueling academic demand. The team made my time at Palmer and Davenport worthwhile and memorable. I both played and was Head Coach for the men’s rugby team, helping to secure a spot in the Midwest Championship, and making the Midwest Men Selects Side. I also assisted in coaching the women’s rugby team, who won the Midwest Championship and clinched a spot in the National Playoffs. I continue to play rugby in social tournaments around the country and also help coach the Alaska Youth Development Squad.

I currently work for Dr. Trevor Ireland, another Palmer rugby connection, at the Ireland Clinic of Chiropractic in Anchorage, Alaska. I am joined in Alaska by my wife, Hannah, and my two Persian cats. This place is perfect for both avid nature-lovers and amazing scenery. I will forever be thankful and speak highly of Palmer rugby for the several opportunities, great connections and lifelong friendships I’ve made from it. 

Personally, I aim to live life to the fullest, as well as help my patients reach that same goal by providing functional, holistic, non-invasive, and conservative professional care. I am dedicated to seeing my patients reclaim their life, health, and wellness by obtaining pain-free functional movement. I received training in and utilize sports injury and rehabilitative therapies (The McKenzie Method of Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), extremity adjustments, Active Release Technique (ART) and Advanced Soft Tissue treatment to better equip my patients for recovery and self-efficacy. I am happy to discuss Chiropractic, Palmer or Rugby to anyone who wants to!

Read more about Palmer College Rugby