BAN: Glasgow Warriors forward banned for eye gouge on Dan Cole
Rugby NewsTuesday, 08 April 2025 at 16:39
Glasgow Warriors back-rower Henco Venter is facing a six-week spell on the sidelines after being slapped with a ban for "making contact with the eye" of Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole during their Champions Cup demolition job last weekend.
The 33-year-old South African, who bagged a brace in the 43-19 rout, will now be forced to watch Friday’s blockbuster quarter-final against Leinster from the stands – and that’s not all he’s missing.
Out of action at the business end
Venter’s suspension will also see him sidelined for the final four rounds of the United Rugby Championship’s regular season, dealing a blow to Glasgow’s momentum as the league reaches its climax.
Venter’s suspension will also see him sidelined for the final four rounds of the United Rugby Championship’s regular season, dealing a blow to Glasgow’s momentum as the league reaches its climax.
However, there is a silver lining for the Warriors faithful – should Franco Smith’s side edge past Leinster, Venter will be cleared to return for a potential Champions Cup semi-final and the URC play-offs.
Red card offence – but no intent
According to European Professional Club Rugby, Venter accepted the act of foul play and acknowledged it would have warranted a red card, though he maintained the contact was unintentional.
According to European Professional Club Rugby, Venter accepted the act of foul play and acknowledged it would have warranted a red card, though he maintained the contact was unintentional.
The disciplinary panel labelled the incident as a “mid-range” offence, with a standard 12-week ban the starting point. However, Venter’s clean disciplinary record, remorse, and full cooperation with the hearing saw his punishment halved.
Glasgow sweating on star’s absence
With Glasgow still chasing silverware on two fronts, the timing couldn’t be worse. Venter has become a key figure in the Warriors pack – but now, his impact will have to wait until the knockout stages.
With Glasgow still chasing silverware on two fronts, the timing couldn’t be worse. Venter has become a key figure in the Warriors pack – but now, his impact will have to wait until the knockout stages.
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Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions
Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod – and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.
The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton’s podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there's no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.
Here’s how Biggar’s team shaped up…
Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
It’s an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster's dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.
Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne
4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne
5. Tadhg Beirne
England’s Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He’s paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.
Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)
6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England’s Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland’s Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who’s fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.
Livewire half-backs: Gibson-Park & Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Finn Russell
10. Finn Russell
Gone are the days of conservative Lions 9-10 combos. Biggar’s gone full jazz here. Gibson-Park brings the zip, and Russell… well, Russell brings the flair. The Scotland maestro’s creativity earns him the No.10 jersey over Biggar himself – no ego here.
Fire on the flanks: Lowe & Kinghorn
11. James Lowe
14. Blair Kinghorn
14. Blair Kinghorn
Two versatile Scots fill the wing slots, with Kinghorn’s blend of size and speed complementing Lowe’s relentless work rate and booming left boot. Biggar clearly values adaptability out wide – and a bit of flair never hurts.
Caledonian connection in midfield: Tuipulotu & Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
13. Huw Jones
13. Huw Jones
The Glasgow Warriors pairing have formed one of the deadliest centre combos in rugby, and Biggar’s kept them together. It’s a bold call, but one based on form and synergy rather than reputation alone.
Rock-solid fullback: Hugo Keenan
15. Hugo Keenan
No surprise here – Keenan has been Ireland’s Mr Consistent, and Biggar trusts him to be the safety net at the back. His positioning, aerial ability and counter-attacks make him a nailed-on pick.
The bench: a mix of muscle and mischief
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Zander Fagerson, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Jac Morgan, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith
It’s a stacked bench with serious impact. Genge and Fagerson bring brute force, while Earl and Morgan cover the back row with pace and punch. Marcus Smith adds some stardust, and Mitchell offers serious tempo at
TOUGH QUIZ: Can you name EVERY British & Irish Lions captain of the past 50 Years?
To make this a little bit more difficult, some of the more recent tours included multiple captains, with both needed to be named if you want to ace this Lions Tour quiz. You have six minutes to get all of your answers down, and your time starts... Now!
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