Hailing from Kimberley, Venter played Craven Week for Griquas in 2015 before joining the Cheetahs’ ranks a year later.

Having underscored his physical presence at scrum time from a young age, Venter played at U19 and U21 levels for the Cheetahs as well as Varsity Cup for Shimlas. In 2018, he made his senior debut for the Cheetahs in the Provincial Rugby Challenge and a year later he made his breakthrough in the 2019-20 PRO14 season, featuring in all 13 of the Cheetahs’ matches before Covid-19 curtailed the season.

Commenting on his imminent move abroad, Venter said: ‘I’m really excited. This is like a dream come true to move to a club like Edinburgh. I feel this is a great opportunity to express my God-given talents and to play for a club I have long admired.

‘I know that Edinburgh has a really professional set-up as well as great coaching, a great brand of rugby and has some really proud and passionate supporters. It always seemed like there was a great vibe there.

‘From a front-row perspective, it makes me really excited knowing I’m joining a dominant scrummaging pack. It’s an aspect of the game I love, and feel is one of my strengths.

‘I’m really looking forward to learning, growing and contributing to the best of my ability and will strive to offer the club dominance and stability in set piece and some excitement with ball in hand and on defence. And with all this, bringing glory to Him that granted me this opportunity.’

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