Glasgow Warriors: Henco Venter sad to leave amid foreign player directive

There is no block on foreign signings at Scotland’s two URC clubs, and recruitment remains on a case-by-case basis, with Australia-born England cap Piers O’Conor one such example, with the back joining Edinburgh from Connaught for next season.

However, the direction of travel is for fewer non-Scottish qualified players and more homegrown talent.

On being told of the decision to let him go, Venter added: “It’s bad and I didn’t like it, but it’s rugby and you don’t take anything personally.

“Through many years in this game, you learn to accept stuff and just be better where you can be better and perform where you can perform and enjoy every moment. So I’ll enjoy this week and hopefully next week.”

That reference is to the daunting task of having to beat Leinster at the Aviva Stadium to prolong Warriors’ title defence.

Regardless of the outcome, Venter says he cherishes his time in Glasgow.

“This place is special, not just for me but for my wife and our daughter,” he explained. “It’s just been an amazing journey for us.”

Despite April’s 52-0 hammering in Dublin, Venter thinks his Warriors team-mates are capable of pulling off what would be seen as a shock win against the Irish giants in their own backyard.

“We are in it to win it, but you’re not always in a team that has the potential to win,” he said.

“Here, we do. We stand a chance, always. If the guys believe in our chance to win then it’s just magical to play in a team like that.”