After six seasons of scrumming down in Scotland, Boan Venter is gearing up to return to the sunny shores of South Africa, a move that has him buzzing with excitement about reuniting with family and friends. The burly loosehead prop, who traded his Cheetahs jersey for an Edinburgh one with dreams of playing Test rugby for Scotland, found himself pulled back home after catching the eye of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
Venter's debut in the green and gold came against Georgia in Nelspruit this past July, and the prop has been on a rollercoaster ride ever since, racking up eight Test caps in 2025 alone. His on-field exploits have seen him scrummage against some of the best, contributing significantly to the Boks' victories in Argentina, France, and Ireland. "The opportunities I have been given at the Springboks have been incredible, and I am really very grateful for them. I have enjoyed every second I have been there," Venter shared in a heartfelt chat.
"Family has always been very important to us, so it is a challenge to be so far away, especially with our little one who turned seven months old this week,"
This July, Venter, along with his wife Jacomi and their first child, Beor, will be making the trek back to South Africa where he has inked a deal with the Lions. The prop admits that the move isn't just about rugby; it's about family. Being continents apart has been tough, especially with a new baby. The move promises more family time, with spontaneous road trips to the farm now firmly on the agenda.
While the exact date of Venter's return is up in the air, depending on Edinburgh's success in upcoming tournaments like the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup, the anticipation is palpable. "We’re very excited – we can’t wait to be back on home soil," Venter exclaimed, clearly eager to start the next chapter of his life on familiar turf.
With Venter's return to the local scene, the Lions are not just getting a seasoned international prop, but a family man keen to root himself where his heart truly lies.
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After six seasons of scrumming down in Scotland, Boan Venter is gearing up to return to the sunny shores of South Africa, a move that has him buzzing with excitement about reuniting with family and friends. The burly loosehead prop, who traded his Cheetahs jersey for an Edinburgh one with dreams of playing Test rugby for Scotland, found himself pulled back home after catching the eye of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
Venter's debut in the green and gold came against Georgia in Nelspruit this past July, and the prop has been on a rollercoaster ride ever since, racking up eight Test caps in 2025 alone. His on-field exploits have seen him scrummage against some of the best, contributing significantly to the Boks' victories in Argentina, France, and Ireland. "The opportunities I have been given at the Springboks have been incredible, and I am really very grateful for them. I have enjoyed every second I have been there," Venter shared in a heartfelt chat.
"Family has always been very important to us, so it is a challenge to be so far away, especially with our little one who turned seven months old this week,"
This July, Venter, along with his wife Jacomi and their first child, Beor, will be making the trek back to South Africa where he has inked a deal with the Lions. The prop admits that the move isn't just about rugby; it's about family. Being continents apart has been tough, especially with a new baby. The move promises more family time, with spontaneous road trips to the farm now firmly on the agenda.
While the exact date of Venter's return is up in the air, depending on Edinburgh's success in upcoming tournaments like the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup, the anticipation is palpable. "We’re very excited – we can’t wait to be back on home soil," Venter exclaimed, clearly eager to start the next chapter of his life on familiar turf.
With Venter's return to the local scene, the Lions are not just getting a seasoned international prop, but a family man keen to root himself where his heart truly lies.