The son of Springbok and Free State legend André Venter could make his Bok debut against Portugal in Bloemfontein this weekend.
22-year-old André-Hugo Venter, who plays for the Stormers, is expected to make his national debut in the historic Test match in his hometown.
Venter played for Western Province against the Cheetahs last weekend and has been added to the squad for this week’s Test match.
The Springboks have already indicated that this test is intended to build their depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be played in Australia. There are several young and previously unplayed players in the training camp, while they have also been part of the training camps.
Although Grey College in Bloemfontein is one of the biggest producers of Springboks players, the last to be signed was former Cheetahs captain Francois Venter, who now plays for the Sharks. That could change over the weekend. Venter and Jan-Hendrik Wessels are both Grey Old Boys and could be named in the team on Tuesday. The pair have played together since their school days.
André played in 66 tests for South Africa and 115 matches for the Free State – Rugby365
Springbok assistant Deon Davids told OFM Sport that it will be a special day if he plays, but he could not confirm or deny whether Venter will make his debut.
“It’s actually a catch-22 situation because if I answer that question, I’m saying he’s going to play,” Davids said.
“Just being part of the team is a big achievement.
“When you think back to the contribution his father has made to Springbok rugby in the past and the way he has approached the game and the icon of the sport that he has become, I think he can be very proud of his son being in the team.
“It’s fair enough given his performances at the Stormers and his selection for the squad, I think it would be fantastic if he gets that opportunity. It’s also testament to the quality of players this region produces, both on and off the field, and the management in terms of how they contribute to its rugby.
“So for him, as for all the other young players we have in this squad, I think they are right here. They deserve the chance to be part of the squad, and if they get that chance, we have every confidence that they will deliver on their promise and perform at this level.”
The Springboks will announce their team for the historic test on Tuesday afternoon.
The sold-out test match on Saturday at the Toyota Stadium starts at 5:00 PM.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
OFM
www.ofm.co.za
