Boan Venter excited for South African homecoming after six seasons abroad

The loosehead prop has spent six seasons with Edinburgh, and at one point was considering qualifying for Scotland at Test level to get a chance to play international rugby, believing he had no chance with the Boks.

That path changed when the former Cheetahs forward was summoned by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who clearly had other plans in mind for Venter.

Venter would go on to make his international debut against Georgia in Nelspruit in July and went on to collect eight Test caps in 2025, playing key roles in victories over Argentina in Durban, France in Paris and Ireland in Dublin.

"The opportunities I have been given at the Springboks have been incredible, and I am really very grateful for them. I have enjoyed every second I have been there," Venter told Netwerk24 from Scotland.

The prop is set to return home with his family in July after signing with the Lions. Personal considerations also influenced the decision, with Venter and his wife Jacomi having welcomed their first child earlier this year.

"Family has always been very important to us, so it is a challenge to be so far away, especially with our little one who turned seven months old this week," said Venter. "It is a good prospect to know that we will be much closer to our family and friends.

"When we are there, we can get in the car for a long weekend and drive to the farm. We also have a lot of family and friends who live in or near Johannesburg."

Although the timing of his move will depend on Edinburgh's progress in the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup, Venter says the sense of anticipation is growing.

"We're very excited - we can't wait to be back on home soil."