Venter pens new deal in the capital

Venter, 26, has been a standout and consistent performer in the front-row since joining from Cheetahs in February 2021, with the prop’s new contract keeping him in the Scottish capital until June 2026.

The 6ft 2in, 124kg former Junior Springbok has so far made 52 appearances with the capital club, with his half-century coming in last month’s bonus-point victory against Vodacom Bulls at Hive Stadium.

On penning a new deal, Venter said: “I’m delighted to re-sign with Edinburgh. I’ve really settled into the city with my wife and we’re enjoying life here. I’m looking forward to the next two years with this great squad and club.

“We’ve really hit the ground running this season which has been brilliant to be part of – it’s now about keeping that momentum going into Europe and then the 1872 Cup derbies.

Venter continued: “Working with Sean [Everitt] has also been great and I feel like he’s slotted in seamlessly. We’re growing as a team every week and I think that has shown in our performances.

“We’re in a great position at the moment with the squad and staff at the club. We’re set up for a really strong second-half of the year and I can’t wait to be part of that.”

A product of Griquas – whom he represented at U18 level – Venter made the move to Bloemfontein where he joined the Free State Cheetahs in 2017.

It was there he made his first steps into professional rugby – developing into a top-class scrummager with serious ability in the loose.

The prop made 10 appearances for the Free State XV during the 2017/18 Rugby Challenge competition ahead of being included in the Cheetahs squad for the 2018/19 then-PRO14 Championship, where he made 20 appearances in two campaigns at Free State Stadium.

Venter made the move to Edinburgh in February 2021 and immediately made an impact in the capital pack, featuring in 10 fixtures in his first campaign, with a late game-tying score away to Scarlets a major highlight in the prop’s debut season.

The prop continued to progress in 2021/22 and he soon made history with a hat-trick of scores away to Ospreys, becoming the first Edinburgh prop to do so in the professional era.

Edinburgh Rugby Senior Coach, Sean Everitt, hailed Venter’s impact in the pack and backed him to make further progress in the Scottish capital.

He said: “Boan [Venter] has all the attributes to reach the very top in professional rugby. We’re delighted to see him extend terms with the club.

“He’s a quality operator who continues to go from strength from strength with every game played. Boan is still only 26 but has over 50 appearances for the club already. He has a brilliant opportunity to develop further alongside our excellent group of props.

“I’m certain our supporters will be excited to see him continue in Edinburgh colours for the next two years.”