Glasgow Warriors have announced the signing of South African back-row Henco Venter, who will arrive from the Sharks at the end of the season.
Subject to visa clearance, the 31-year-old forward will line up in a Glasgow jersey from the next campaign and is set to be a handy addition to the Scottish outfit.
He has played 48 matches thus far for the Sharks, representing them in Super Rugby and Currie Cup action in addition to the United Rugby Championship.
Venter is capable of playing across the back-row and has turned out for the Cheetahs and Toshiba Brave Lupus before making the switch to the Dubanites.
Admires the Warriors playing style
“Glasgow has always been a club I have enjoyed watching and admired the way they approach their rugby,” the back-row told the Warriors’ official 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, and 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 they spoke about the club and the city just makes me can’t wait to get started.
“I’m happy to do whatever it takes to help the team win – I enjoy being physical in attack and defence, and I love to have the ball in hand. An attacking mindset is always more fun.
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“The result against Connacht last weekend showed the character of this team, and that character just makes you really want to fight for your team and be a part of everything.
“I honestly can’t wait to join this club. I want to give back to the club and the supporters in the stand, and I believe this club is capable of doing something special.”
Glasgow head coach Franco Smith added: “Henco is not only a top-class rugby player, but also a first-rate person.
“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.
“He leads from the front, and we believe he will contribute a great deal to our squad as we move forward. We look forward to welcoming him to Scotstoun this summer.”
Eli Snyman returns to Benetton
Elsewhere, Benetton have signed South African second-row Eli Snyman, who will rejoin the club from Premiership side Leicester Tigers ahead of 2023/24.
Snyman, 27, has made 34 appearances to date since arriving in the East Midlands before the 2021/22 campaign.
Born in Zimbabwe, Snyman represented South African U20s in 2016 before making his Currie Cup debut for the Bulls in the same season.
His Super Rugby debut came in 2019, for the Bulls, before signing with Treviso ahead of the 2019/20 European season.
Speaking about Snyman, Leicester Tigers interim head coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “Eli has been a big part of the Leicester pack during these past two seasons, playing a key role both on the pitch and as a leader for the young players in his position.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to play alongside Eli last season and for the first part of this season and equally so the chance to have coached him during that time.
“He’s been a great contributor to Leicester Tigers and we thank him for that, as well as wishing him all the best for the next stage of his career back in Italy with Benetton.”