Edinburgh may hand Springbok prop Boan Venter a swift call-up for Friday’s crucial URC showdown with Munster.
The 28-year-old loosehead returned to training this week following South Africa’s thrilling 29-27 win over Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday, which secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles.
Venter, who joined Edinburgh from the Cheetahs in 2021, had previously indicated he hoped to qualify for Scotland on residency grounds in 2026. However, after answering a mid-season call from Rassie Erasmus when the Springboks faced a shortage of front-row options, he made his Test debut against Georgia in July and went on to feature four times in the Championship—including a start in the 67-30 rout of Argentina in Durban.
“He’s really excited where he is, because earlier in the year he would never have thought that this opportunity would have arrived,” said Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt.
“It’s surreal the way he went in and ended up winning the Rugby Championship. South Africa under Rassie have only won it three times, so it’s not often that you get that opportunity.
“It’s great for him and I’m sure he’ll come back a better player. He can pass on the knowledge he’s gained to the rest of the squad, and particularly the youngsters around him. We’ll see how he gets through training today, but he will be up for selection if he comes through the week.”
Edinburgh face a busy period ahead, with just two more URC fixtures before the Springboks’ end-of-year tour. South Africa are scheduled for five consecutive Tests in November against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales, though the first and last fall outside the official Test window.
When asked whether Venter would be released for South Africa’s clash with Wales on 29 November – the same day Edinburgh host Scarlets – coach Mike Everitt said: “That’ll be a discussion for later.”
