Venter getting stuck in

Venter getting stuck in

One year on from touching down in Glasgow for the first time, and the drive and enthusiasm with which Henco Venter approaches each training day is yet to show any signs of dissipating.

The hard-running South African back-rower quickly endeared himself to the Warrior Nation during his debut season at Scotstoun, never giving an inch in each of his 21 appearances for Franco Smith’s squad in their BKT United Rugby Championship-winning campaign.

It’s clear that the feeling of endearment is mutual, too, as the man himself explained as block one of pre-season drew to a close for Smith’s squad.

“It’s flown by, really,” Venter told glasgowwarriors.org.

“I absolutely love this club and the city – we’ve had some excellent experiences so far, and coming back in the building for pre-season it’s always good to see everyone again after a break.

“Everyone is working hard and we’re all focused on hitting the ground running once the action gets underway again.”

Whilst the club’s strength and conditioning and coaching teams have been putting the squad firmly through their paces in pre-season to date, Venter and his team-mates have been riding the wave of euphoria ever since the final whistle at Loftus Versfeld.

It’s a feeling that has ensured that training so far has been conducted in strong spirits, as the new season continues to roll into view.

“The mood has been fantastic,” said Venter.

“Everyone is still on a high after Pretoria! We know that we only got there because of hard work, though, and we know that it’s going to take even more work to stay there.

“Everyone else in the competition is now going to target us, and we need to be ready for that. There’s been a lot of running, a lot of up-and-downs, and a lot of pushing bags, but there’s never been any quitting from anyone. We know we need to do whatever it takes.”

The back-rower was also quick to highlight the impact of the club’s newer faces, including the newly-expanded senior academy.

With the bulk of the squad’s Scotland internationals still to return to Scotstoun following their summer tour exploits, Venter has been impressed with the attitude and talents of those making their first steps up into the Glasgow environment.

“The younger guys are definitely bringing their A game and showing what they can do,” said the back-rower.

“The future of Glasgow rugby is in very good hands, the young guys are really eager to learn and are getting stuck in.

“That in turn then drives standards of everyone around, and everyone is lifting their game to push each other on. It’s a great environment.”

With just a fortnight to go until the club opens its pre-season account with a trip to Zebre Parma, the anticipation is already building amongst the playing group at Scotstoun.

All eyes are on the Stadio Mirabello – and that includes from the playing group themselves.

“That’s why we all play rugby,” said Venter.

“We play because we want to be involved in matches. Everyone is putting their hand up and we all can’t wait to get back out there.”

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