The mini-exodus of players at the Sharks continued after Glasgow Warriors on Thursday announced the signing of a loose-forward ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Back-rower Henco Venter will be making the move to Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, after agreeing to switch to Scotstoun from the Sharks subject to visa.
The 31-year-old has made 48 appearances to date across all competitions for the Durban-based outfit, having represented the Sharks in Super Rugby and Currie Cup action in addition to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Capable of playing across the back-row, the Grey College alumnus has also enjoyed spells with the Cheetahs and Toshiba Brave Lupus in his career to date, before moving to the Sharks in 2020.
Venter, the nephew of late former Springbok Ruben Kruger, is the latest player to agree an exit from Kings Park. Captain Siya Kolisi (Racing 92), tighthead prop Thomas du Toit (Bath) and wing Thaakir Abrahams (Lyon) will also be leaving at the end of the season, while Carlu Sadie is the subject of reported interest from Bordeaux.
Venter will join second rowers JP du Preez and Sintu Manjezi at Glasgow Warriors, who are coached by Franco Smith.
“Glasgow has always been a club I’ve enjoyed watching and admired the way they approach their rugby,” Venter told glasgowwarriors.org.
“The way the team has played this season in particular under Franco has been so great to see, and seeing the results and how much everyone is enjoying their rugby makes Glasgow a place you want to come and play.
“Franco plays a winning brand of rugby, but he also understands that it’s a brand of rugby that people in the stands need to enjoy coming to see. You can see how he’s blended that this season with the coaches at Glasgow and I can’t wait to get involved.
“I’ve also played with both JP and Sintu so I spoke to them before signing, and they just said how great a place Glasgow is to both live and play. The enthusiasm they spoke about the club and the city just makes me can’t wait to get started.
“I’m happy to do whatever it takes to help the team win – I enjoy being physical in attack and defence, and I love to have the ball in hand. An attacking mindset is always more fun.
“I honestly can’t wait to join this club. I want to give back to the club and the supporters in the stand, and I believe this club is capable of doing something special.”
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