Venter to join Warriors

Henco Venter is relishing the chance to play under Franco Smith next season after the South African back-rower agreed a deal to join Glasgow Warriors this summer from United rugby championship rivals Sharks. the 31-year-old, who has made 48 appearances since signing for the Durbanbased outfit in 2020, has been impressed with the way the Scotstoun side have played in their first season under head coach Smith and is looking forward to moving to Scotland and being part of the Warriors set-up later this year. ‘Glasgow has always been a club I’ve enjoyed watching and admired the way they approach their rugby,’ Venter, the nephew of 1995 World cup winner ruben Kruger, told the Warriors website. ‘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. I can’t wait to get involved. ‘I’ve also played with both JP (du Preez) and Sintu (Manjezi), so I spoke to them before signing, and they just said how great a place Glasgow is to both live and play. the enthusiasm (with which) they spoke about the club and the city just makes me can’t wait to get started. ‘I believe this club is capable of doing something special.’ Smith, whose side are preparing for a challenge cup semi-final against Scarlets tomorrow, is delighted to have recruited his compatriot. ‘Henco is not only a top-class rugby player, but also a first-rate person,’ he said. ‘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.’