Springbok centre forced to retire with immediate effect

The experienced centre chose to follow that advice after a concussion scare convinced him that continuing to compete at the highest level was not worth the risk.

“The decision to retire came with time. My body told me the time was right to focus on another part of my life. It’s time to put my energy into something else,” the 35-year-old told Rapport.

“I just felt it was the right time to close this chapter of my rugby career and focus on my family. I got a huge fright with my concussion. There are more important things in life.”

Venter earned seven Test caps for the Springboks during his international career. He made his debut against England at Twickenham on 12 November 2016 and represented South Africa across the 2016 and 2017 seasons, scoring one Test try against Italy.

While he admitted he would have liked to enjoy a longer stint at international level, he said he has no regrets.

“Before I made the decision to retire, I always wondered whether what I’d done was enough. My biggest dream was to play for the Springboks and have a successful professional career.

“Obviously I would have liked to play more Tests, but that wasn’t in the Lord’s plan.”

His professional career lasted 16 years and included spells across South African, European, and international rugby.

Venter spent four seasons with Worcester Warriors in England, making more than 75 appearances before leaving in 2022 when the club went into liquidation.

Following Worcester's collapse, he returned to South Africa and signed with the Sharks.