Ruan Venter looks destined for a stint on the sidelines after being driven off the field on a medical cart with what appears to be a serious knee injury.
Venter departed early in the Lions’ 31-7 Vodacom URC defeat to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium clutching his right knee.
Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli confirmed to Netwerk24 the player will return to South Africa for scans to determine the extent of the damage.
The timing could hardly be worse. Venter has been one of the Lions’ standout performers this season, delivering impressive all-round displays at both blindside flank and lock that would not have escaped the Springbok selectors’ attention.
The 23-year-old was building momentum towards adding to his solitary Bok cap, with the Springboks’ season kicking off against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June.
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Rassie Erasmus’ side then face England in Johannesburg, Scotland in Pretoria and Wales in Durban in July before the season highlight – four Tests against the All Blacks in August and September, three on home soil.
Venter has already endured a frustrating campaign. He served a four-match ban early in the season for an illegal tip tackle against the Sharks in Durban, then suffered concussion in his first match back.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Venter’s Bok dreams in doubt after knee injury appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
