Confirmed - Venter to become a Warrior

As reported by RugbyPass yesterday, Worcester Warriors have today confirmed that Springbok centre Francois Venter will be joining the Club on a two-year deal from Guinness Pro 14 side the Cheetahs this summer.

The highly-rated 26-year-old, who has made over 50 Super Rugby appearances, will strengthen Warriors’ exciting-looking backline and will continue to work alongside current Cheetahs Head Coach Rory Duncan, who also makes the move to Sixways later this year.

Cheetahs captain Venter made his international debut at Twickenham against England in November 2016 and has gone on to make seven appearances for the Springboks, scoring a try in last November’s win over Italy.

Venter made 11 Super Rugby appearances for the Bulls and played 43 times for provincial side the Blue Bulls before making the switch to the Cheetahs in 2014, where he was appointed as captain just two years later.

During his four years at the Toyota Stadium, Venter has made 83 appearances for the Cheetahs, racking up 15 tries. He has also featured 29 times for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup, scoring five tries and helping them to the title in 2016.

Bloemfontein-born Venter has also represented the Barbarians, Emerging Springboks and South Africa Under 20s.

Venter said: “It’s a very exciting step for me to make the move to England and play in the Aviva Premiership for Warriors.

“Rory Duncan has been a great coach for us at the Cheetahs and having the opportunity to continue to work alongside him and also Alan Solomons, is something I’m looking forward to.

“But for now I want to focus my attention on Saturday’s match and the rest of our Guinness Pro 14 campaign.

“I’d like to thank the Cheetahs for a great few years and I’ll continue to wear the jersey with pride.”

Warriors Director of Rugby Solomons added: “Francois is a fantastic player and we are thrilled to be bringing him to Sixways.

“He is an experienced international and I have no doubt that he will play a big role at Sixways.”