Glasgow Warriors add Venter ahead of new campaign

South African back-rower Henco Venter will be making the move to Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, after agreeing to switch to Scotstoun from the Cell C Sharks subject to visa.

The 31-year-old has made 48 appearances to date across all competitions for the Durban-based outfit, having represented the Sharks in Super Rugby and Currie Cup action in addition to the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Capable of playing across the back-row, the Grey College alumnus has also enjoyed spells with the Toyota Cheetahs and Toshiba Brave Lupus in his career to date, before moving to the Sharks in the summer of 2020.

An abrasive ball-carrier and physical defender, the man from Bloemfontein stands at 6ft 4in and has made six appearances in the BKT URC to date in 2022/23.

Venter is also the nephew of 1995 Rugby World Cup winner Ruben Kruger, playing in the same position as the former Springbok flanker.

“Glasgow has always been a club I’ve enjoyed watching and admired the way they approach their rugby,” Venter told glasgowwarriors.org.

“The way the team has played this season in particular under Franco has been so great to see, and seeing the results and how much everyone is enjoying their rugby makes Glasgow a place you want to come and play.

“Franco plays a winning brand of rugby, but he also understands that it’s a brand of rugby that people in the stands need to enjoy coming to see. You can see how he’s blended that this season with the coaches at Glasgow and I can’t wait to get involved.

“I’ve also played with both JP and Sintu so I spoke to them before signing, and they just said how great a place Glasgow is to both live and play. The enthusiasm they spoke about the club and the city just makes me can’t wait to get started.

“I’m happy to do whatever it takes to help the team win – I enjoy being physical in attack and defence, and I love to have the ball in hand. An attacking mindset is always more fun.

“The result against Connacht last weekend showed the character of this team, and that character just makes you really want to fight for your team and be a part of everything.

“I honestly can’t wait to join this club. I want to give back to the club and the supporters in the stand, and I believe this club is capable of doing something special.”

Head Coach Franco Smith added: “Henco is not only a top-class rugby player, but also a first-rate person.

“He’s an incredibly hard-working athlete and his ability to cover all three back-row positions will make him an invaluable asset to our squad next season.

“He leads from the front and we believe he will contribute a great deal to our squad as we move forward. We look forward to welcoming him to Scotstoun this summer.”