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Ruan Venter breaks silence on serious knee injury

By Annemie Bester
Wednesday 20 May 2026

INJURY UPDATE: Lions loose forward Ruan Venter has confirmed the worst fears surrounding the knee injury he suffered against Leinster.

Venter took to Instagram to reveal he had undergone surgery after damaging his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. The 23-year-old posted a photo from hospital following the operation, writing: “Very thankful to have undergone successful surgery, and I can’t wait to get this journey started. This is only the beginning.”

The injury is a massive blow for both the Lions in their United Rugby Championship campaign as well as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus ahead of the July Tests against England, Scotland, and Wales.

*Article continues below…

 

Venter was forced off after just four minutes in the Lions’ heavy URC defeat to Leinster in Dublin after appearing to injure his knee in contact. He was replaced by Batho Hlekani, who produced a physical shift in difficult circumstances.

The loose forward returned to South Africa for further medical assessments before undergoing surgery, with the injury now expected to sideline him for the remainder of the year.

It adds to a growing injury and availability crisis for the Lions heading into next week’s quarterfinal against Leinster. The Johannesburg side have already lost Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye to a lengthy doping suspension, while Richard Kriel failed an HIA against Munster.

There are also concerns over centre Henco van Wyk and captain Francke Horn, both of whom were forced from the field during the clash against Munster.

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Trending

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