Boan Venter is looking forward to being closer to family and friends when he returns to South Africa next year.
The loosehead prop has spent the past six seasons playing for Edinburgh, which initially included plans to qualify to play Test rugby for for Scotland. However, the former Cheetah was called up by Rassie Erasmus and made his Springbok debut against Georgia in Nelspruit in July.
Venter went on to earn eight Test caps in 2025, featuring prominently in wins over Argentina in Durban, France in Paris and Ireland in Dublin.
“The opportunities I have been given at the Springboks have been incredible, and I am really very grateful for them. I have enjoyed every second I have been there,” Venter told Netwerk24 from Scotland.
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Venter and his family will return to South Africa in July, with the prop having signed for the Lions. The move was made for personal reasons too, with Venter and his wife Jacomi welcoming their first child, Beor, earlier this year.
“Family has always been very important to us, so it is a challenge to be so far away, especially with our little one who turned seven months old this week,” said Venter. “It is a good prospect to know that we will be much closer to our family and friends.
“When we are there, we can get in the car for a long weekend and drive to the farm. We also have a lot of family and friends who live in or near Johannesburg.”
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While his exact return date will depend on how far Edinburgh progress in the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup, Venter admits the anticipation is already building.
“We’re very excited – we can’t wait to be back on home soil.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images