Lions shed light on Ruan Venter’s return timeline
INJURY UPDATE: Lions supporters will have to wait a little longer for the return of Springbok loose forward Ruan Venter.
This comes after head coach Ivan van Rooyen confirmed that the 23-year-old is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered against Leinster in May during a Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash.
Venter, who was tipped for a Springbok breakout season before the injury, had previously played for the Boks on one occasion.
He made his debut against Portugal in Bloemfontein in 2024, a match South Africa won comfortably, 64-21.
Venter underwent surgery in May after assessments revealed that he had damaged his ACL, MCL, and meniscus.
He is among a long list of injury concerns for the Lions.
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Van Rooyen provided updates on Venter and several other injured players after his side’s impressive 35-19 victory over the Ospreys at 10Bet Ellis Park.
“Ruan Venter unfortunately is still scheduled for early next year; he’s still out for a while,” he said.
He added: “Angelo Davids did full training last week for the first time; so we will have to have a look on Monday or Tuesday at where he is.
“Daniel Kasende is still a little while and Bronson Mills is training flat-out, but he’s not yet selectable; he is getting through paces.
“I think in the last week or in the last 10 days, he’s made a significant improvement, but I believe November is still a little bit early for him, but if he keeps tracking like he’s tracking, anything is possible.”
Van Rooyen also confirmed that Henco van Wyk was left out of the Ospreys matchday squad due to concussion symptoms.
“Henco picked up late concussion symptoms on Wednesday or Thursday.
“So, we didn’t want to take a risk there.”
The Lions came through the Ospreys clash unscathed, despite Ruan Delport undergoing a head injury assessment (HIA) after a high tackle from Dan Edwards.
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