Franco Smith drops big news ahead of URC quarterfinal against Stormers

NEWS: The United Rugby Championship title-holders Glasgow Warriors will get some key figures back for their quarterfinal match against Stormers on Friday.

South African Henco Venter will return after serving a six-week suspension for an eye-gouge.

The ban arose from Glasgow’s Champions Cup Round of 16 win (43-19) over Leicester Tigers at Scotstoun Stadium on April 5.

Venter is one of several key players who will be available to Smith for the South African franchise’s visit.

Speaking to The Offside Line, Smith said: “There are a number of players due back for the Stormers game.

“Rory Sutherland is close after a shoulder injury, Sam Talakai is back from Australia, Max Williamson is ready again after a minor issue, and Henco Venter returns from suspension.

“Jack Mann has recovered, Sione Vailanu was just rested this week, and most of our backs are available – aside from Duncan Weir, who’s out for the season.”

Matt and Zander Fagerson, as well as Gregor Brown, remain injury doubts for the quarterfinal. Jack Dempsey and Josh McKay are both making good progress and could still come into contention.

The Stormers will be without Springbok star Damian Willemse was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle during last weekend’s clash against the Dragons.

#⃣BREAKING: The outcome of the Damian Willemse @URCOfficial hearing is out and it won’t please the @THESTORMERS bosses 👨‍⚖️#Rugby 🏉#Rugby365 🌐#RugbyUnion 🌍
🔗https://t.co/BgVb6aoZkX pic.twitter.com/IeU9VhQhMl

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) May 21, 2025

Glasgow chalked up a good away win over Stormers earlier this season, and will be backing themselves to come away with a win at Scotstoun.

“The Stormers are a team we love playing against,” said Warriors captain Kyle Steyn.

“We’ve got a lot of respect for them because they’re fighters as well. Under Dobbo [Stormers head coach John Dobson], they come out firing for 80 minutes. That won’t change, and they’ll probably be even more desperate to get one over us.”

Source: @GlasgowWarrriors