The Glasgow Warriors have acquired the services of Henco Venter. Photo: Supplied.

The Glasgow Warriors have acquired the services of Henco Venter. Photo: Supplied.

Sharks’ player drain continues as veteran jumps ship

Henco Venter will leave the Sharks at the end of the season after it was confirmed that he had agreed to join the Glasgow Warriors.

The Glasgow Warriors have acquired the services of Henco Venter. Photo: Supplied.

The Glasgow Warriors have acquired the services of Henco Venter. Photo: Supplied.

Henco Venter will leave the Sharks at the end of the season after it was confirmed that he had agreed to join Scottish side the Glasgow Warriors.

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Venter will be making the move to the Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, after agreeing to switch to Scotstoun from the Sharks subject to visa.

The Sharks, who have already lost the services of star players Siya Kolisi (Racing 92), Thomas du Toit (Bath) and Thaakir Abrahams (Lyon), will now also be without the versatility of Venter. To add insult to injury, Carlu Sadie is also the subject of reported interest from Bordeaux.

The 31-year-old Venter, who is the nephew of late former Springbok Ruben Kruger, 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 Vodacom 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 URC to date in 2022/23.

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VENTER ON WHY HE TRADED THE SHARKS FOR THE WARRIORS

Commenting on his move to the Warriors, Venter said the Warriors are on an upward trajectory and he can’t get to get involved with the team.

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

“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.”

FRANCO SMITH EXCITED FOR REUNION WITH HENCO

Head coach Franco Smith, who coached Venter during their time together at the Cheetahs, added that we is excited to be working with the 31-year-old forward again.

“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.”

Henco Venter will play for the Glasgow Warriors next season. Photo: Supplied.
Henco Venter will play for the Glasgow Warriors next season. Photo: Supplied.