Warriors keep hold of vital Springbok in bid to push on in promising Premiership campaign

Worcester Warriors have announced that centre Francois Venter has signed a contract extension to keep him at Sixways until the summer of 2022.

The South African, who won the last of his seven caps for the Springboks in 2017, signed from the Cheetahs in 2018, and had scored 10 tries in 29 appearances for the club.

He is the third Warriors player to sign a contract extension in the past week, with England blindside Ted Hill and lock Andrew Kitchener, both products of the Three Pears Warriors Academy, also putting pen to paper.

“I enjoy everything about this club. There is a lot of potential for us to grow and become a sustainable Premiership club,” said Venter.

“I have bought into the future of the club and hopefully we can be a sustainable top six Premiership side. I also like security so extending my contract gives me that. I enjoy the vibe around the club and the lads we have in the squad so for me it was a no-brainer.

“At the start of this season I struggled a little bit with injury but it’s good to be back playing again and getting opportunities. We have started well in the Premiership and hopefully we can carry that on.

“It’s good to see youngsters like Ted Hill and Andrew Kitchener signing contract extensions as well so the future looks good.”

Director of Rugby Alan Solomons added that the club see Venter as a key part of the squad.

“It’s great news for the club that Francois has decided to commit to us,” Solomons said.

“He is a quality player with international experience who, with his direct, physical style and superb skill-set, adds huge value to the team.

“In addition he is a first-class bloke and a terrific team man. I look forward to continue working with him.”

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