Former Cheetahs and Sharks loose forward Henco Venter is gearing up for his departure from Glasgow Warriors as he looks to make a lasting impact in his final games with the team. Venter, who is set to join French side Brive at the end of the season, is determined to help Glasgow defend their United Rugby Championship (URC) title before bidding farewell to the club.
After serving a six-game ban for an accidental eye gouge, Venter made a triumphant return to the field by scoring a try in Glasgow’s 36-18 victory over the Stormers in the URC quarterfinals. Despite only being in his second season with the Scottish side, Venter has quickly become a fan favorite and received a standing ovation from the crowd during his final home game at Scotstoun Stadium.
Before making the move to Brive, Venter is focused on helping Glasgow overcome Leinster in the URC semifinals. Despite a tough loss to Leinster earlier in the season, Glasgow showed resilience in their recent match against the Irish giants, proving that they have the ability to compete at the highest level.
Venter, at 33 years old, remains confident in Glasgow’s chances of defending their title and expressed his gratitude for his time with the team. He emphasized the special bond he has formed with the club and his desire to finish on a high note by lifting the URC trophy.
Challenges and Farewells
During a press conference, Venter revealed that he had hoped to extend his stay in Scotland but was ultimately compelled to leave due to Scottish rugby’s emphasis on promoting local talent over foreign players. Despite his disappointment, Venter acknowledged the importance of supporting Scottish rugby’s development and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the club.
Glasgow head coach Franco Smith commended Venter for his impact on the team and lamented his impending departure. Smith praised Venter’s dedication and leadership, highlighting the void that will be left by his exit.
As Venter prepares for his final matches with Glasgow Warriors, he remains focused on giving his all and leaving a lasting legacy with the team. While his time in Scotland may be coming to an end, Venter’s commitment and passion for the game will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
