Springbok prop Boan Venter could be fast-tracked into Edinburgh’s team for Friday’s Vodacom URC clash against Munster.
The 28-year-old loosehead returned to training this week following South Africa’s thrilling 29-27 win over Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday that secured back-to-back Rugby Championships.
Venter, who joined Edinburgh from the Cheetahs in 2021, had previously indicated that he hoped to qualify for Scotland on residency grounds in 2026. But after answering a mid-season SOS from Rassie Erasmus when the Boks ran short of front-row options, he made his Test debut against Georgia in July and went on to feature four times in the Championship – including a start in the 67-30 demolition of Argentina in Durban.
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“He’s really excited where he is, because earlier in the year he would never have thought that this opportunity would have arrived,” said Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt.
“It’s surreal the way he went in and ended up winning the Rugby Championship. South Africa under Rassie have only won it three times, so it’s not often that you get that opportunity.
“It’s great for him and I’m sure he’ll come back a better player. He can pass on the knowledge he’s gained to the rest of the squad, and particularly the youngsters around him. We’ll see how he gets through training today, but he will be up for selection if he comes through the week.”
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Edinburgh face a busy stretch ahead, with just two more URC fixtures before the Boks’ end-of-year tour begins. South Africa are set for five consecutive Tests in November against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales – though the first and last fall outside the official Test window.
Asked whether Venter would be released for the Boks’ clash with Wales on 29 November, the same day Edinburgh host Scarlets, Everitt replied: “That’ll be a discussion for later.”
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Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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