Boan Venter called up by Rassie Erasmus for upcoming season

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, has included Boan Venter, a former prop for the Toyota Cheetahs now playing for Edinburgh, in his squad for the upcoming international rugby season.

This marks Venter’s first call-up to represent South Africa, a significant milestone in his career as he joins a roster of 45 players following the conclusion of the opening week of training in Johannesburg.

Venter’s addition is particularly poignant considering the recent injuries that have sidelined several key players. Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu are among the six players released from the initial 55-man squad, alongside other notable names such as Lukhanyo Am and Pieter-Steph du Toit. Venter steps in as the only new addition, underscoring the confidence that Erasmus has in his abilities. The former Junior Springbok training group member, who showcased his talent back in 2017, is slated to bolster the squad’s depth ahead of a challenging season.

“Our first week of training went well, and it offered us a chance to assess our depth and measure the level at which the players are currently, with an eye on the international season,” Erasmus remarked.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries, noting that while several players are out long-term, others are on the road to recovery. The coach is optimistic about the level of cover available in various positions, with released players being kept on standby for any last-minute calls to return.

Venter’s recent performances for Edinburgh in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and the EPCR Challenge Cup have evidently caught the attention of the Springbok management. “Boan has been consistent for Edinburgh. He is familiar with the South African structures after playing for the Toyota Cheetahs and coming through our junior ranks, so we are looking forward to seeing him in action on the field,” Erasmus commented, enthusing over the prop’s potential as part of the national squad.

The Springboks are preparing to kick off their season with the Qatar Airways Cup clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday, 28 June. This encounter is historic, marking the first time the two teams will face each other on South African soil. Following this historic match, the Springboks will engage in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, which includes back-to-back Tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on 5 and 12 July, before rounding off the international window with a match against Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July.