Ruan Venter talks Springbok aspirations ahead of URC return

The 23-year-old has been earmarked as a future star, as is evident by his debut Springbok cap against Portugal in 2025 and his recent call-up to the Springbok alignment camp.

"It's always a massive privilege to be recognised, it means they have their eye on you," Venter told the press this week.

"But it's only the first step. There is still a lot of work to be done. Taking what they told us at the alignment and applying it to your game, and with that being said, improving your game overall.

"Because now you have alignment on what they see and what they look at, where you can improve, and what they are happy with. It is amazing to be part of that, but it's not like being selected."

Venter is a proper specimen. Standing at 1.98cm and tipping the scales at around 120kg, he has the build to be a hybrid player. He has started the vast majority of his games for the Lions at flank, but has had a couple of opportunities at lock, playing over 100 minutes in the position last season. We know the value Bok boss Rassie Erasmus places on versatility.

"I have no problem covering lock, I quite enjoy it, and I enjoy the scrums especially," quipped the dynamic runner.

"So when you play lock, you can contribute a bit more in the scrums. So whatever the teams need me to be, I can fulfil that role and just try and get better because I am not as comfortable at No. 4 yet.

"Every day I am just trying to improve on that and just get the details for that role and the small things they need me to do in that role."

Springbok ambitions aside, it's now time for Venter to put his shoulder to the wheel.

It's been a trying 2026 for the young star. He received a four-match suspension for what has to be said was an unlucky headshot on Aphelele Fassi against the Sharks in January. Compounding that was a concussion in his return match. As such, Venter has featured in just two matches this year.

But the former SA U20 star is expected to run out for the Lions when they host Edinburgh at Ellis Park on Saturday as the URC heads into the business end of the tournament.

With six matches left, the Lions are aiming to secure a place in the playoffs. They currently sit in seventh place on the table.

"It isn't ideal that I missed all those games with the ban and the first game back getting a concussion, but I am just hoping for six games before the playoffs where I can go and express myself and hope for no more disruptions," Venter continued.

"Now I can work hard and prove myself over the next six to eight weeks."