Franco Smith's SA star disappointed by decision 'from above'

SPOTLIGHT: Glasgow Warriors star Henco Venter has revealed the real main reason why he is leaving the Scottish club.

It was announced back in March that the 33-year-old will be joining French club Brive next season.

Venter admitted that he wanted to stay in Glasgow. However, Scottish Rugby’s drive to limit the number of foreign players in their two professional clubs means that he will be packing his bags once his team’s play-off run is over in the United Rugby Championship.

The South African loose forward had an emotional farewell in front of fans at Scotstoun Stadium after the Warriors beat the Stormers 36-18 to advance to a semifinal against Leinster.

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He has become a stalwart for Franco Smith’s side and he played a key role in their URC title-winning campaign last season.

Explaining his reasons for leaving at a press conference this week, Venter said: “Oh, tricky question. It’s from above and all the stuff going on in Scotland rugby with the foreigners.

“That’s basically one of the main reasons. I love this place and I’d love to stay here.”

In April, head coach Smith made it known that he would have liked to have retained the forward.

And now Venter has admitted that he was not expecting to be released.

“It’s rugby, so there’s always something and some challenge to overcome,” he said.

“So, yeah, it’s bad and I didn’t like it, but it’s rugby. You don’t take anything personally.

“You learn to accept stuff and just be better where you can be better and perform where you can perform and enjoy every moment. I’ll enjoy this week and hopefully next week.”

Venter insisted he “respects” Scottish Rugby’s change of policy with regard to foreign players.

“I understand that’s their plan going forward and I respect it,” he said.

“I am not Scottish, so it’s a privilege to be here and to give back to the club and to the country.

“If they make their plans, they have a will to make Scotland rugby better and I hope they succeed in it.”

Source: PA Media

photo credit: Glasgow Warriors