Teenager Venter is signed for long-term
Bath Rugby have confirmed the signing of young South African centre Jordan Venter.
The 19-year-old arrived at Farleigh House this week from United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh Rugby having officially joined the Scottish side in December 2020 straight out of high school.
Born and raised in George, Western Cape - the same town as Worcester Warriors winger Duhan van der Merwe - Venter represented South Western Districts at an early age and went on to be named vice-captain of the South Africa under-18 Sevens side which won the Capricorn Group Sevens Rugby Tournament in Namibia in early 2020.
The 6ft 1in, 15 stone English qualified centre, has been on Bath’s radar for more than a year and has been brought in with a long term view and to provide cover during the Autumn internationals and Six Nations when Bath could feasibly lose Cam Redpath, Max Ojomoh and Jonathan Joseph in the coming years.
Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper said: “We actually tried to sign him a year ago but it didn’t work out for various reasons.
“He is English qualified, he is a dynamic young centre who can play on the wing and he is someone we have seen potential in for a long time.
“I always enjoy these signings when you have had a long run at them and a good look. We have met him a couple of times and watched him play a lot and now he has joined us and will be putting his hand up for selection pretty soon I would say.”
Hooper added: “It is about making sure we have got a competitive squad for training, so we have competition there and can push each other.
“He is very ambitious and very hungry and has a lot of the tributes we look for off the field as well.”
Venter said: “It’s a big honour to have signed for Bath as it’s a big club with a huge history and heritage.
“I’m excited to grow as a player here; this is where I want to be situated and give 110 per cent to and if I can contribute in any way it will be amazing.”
Bath have also handed a short-term contract to former Wales international full-back Tom Prydie following a trial spell at Farleigh House as injury cover for Anthony Watson who is set to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Hooper said: “Tom Prydie has come in on a short term deal, he is obviously an experienced international player, he has played in the Premiership and with the Scarlets and Dragons as well.
“He has come in on trial and he is quick, he is very committed and he has added a really experienced head in training. He is someone we have been impressed with so far.”
Prydie added: “Bath is a great club with an amazing history and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
“I know I have a lot to offer to Bath and I’m excited by the idea of helping the younger lads with my experience. I’ll give all I can to contribute to the Blue, Black and White on and off the pitch.”
More signings at Bath are expected to be confirmed imminently.