Edinburgh Rugby lose South Africa international to URC rivals

The loosehead was called up by the Springboks for the first time in June and has gone on to win eight caps. He will return to his home country in the summer to join the Johannesburg-based franchise after five-and-a-half seasons with Edinburgh.

“I am thankful to Edinburgh Rugby and everyone that contributed to my career over the last five years,” said Venter.

“It is now time for us to head back home and we are very excited for the opportunity with the Emirates Lions and to be closer to family.

“I can assure everyone that I will be giving my absolute all for this badge and my teammates right up until the final whistle of the season.”

Venter, 28, joined Edinburgh from the Cheetahs in February 2021 and has vied with Pierre Schoeman for the loosehead berth. Born in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, it looked at one point as if Venter might have an international future with Scotland. He was due to become Scottish-qualified next February on residency grounds and could feasibly have played in the Six Nations.

But South Africa got in their first, head coach Rassie Erasmus calling him up for their summer international programme. He made his Springboks debut against Georgia and was part of the squad which won this year’s Rugby Championship.

“On behalf of everyone at Edinburgh Rugby, I would like to thank Boan for his services to the club over the past five years,” said Sean Everitt, the Edinburgh head coach.