‘They want more Scottish players’ – Venter sorry to leave Glasgow

Leinster vs. Glasgow Warriors URC semi-final

When: Saturday, June 7th, 2014 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Henco Venter claims it was “bad” to be told that he was leaving Glasgow Warriors because there was a Scottish Rugby policy to have fewer foreign players in professional club squads.

Warriors fans bid the South African back-row a fitting farewell after their 36-18 victory over Stormers for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-finale away to Leinster.

The 33-year-old has agreed to join French club Brive, but he admits he prefers to spend more time at Scotstoun over extending his two-year contract.

Franco Smith, the head coach, has also stated that he would have chosen to keep his countryman on and that, in April, he would definitely stay.

When asked about his imminent exit, Venter responded, “It’s a difficult question. Additionally, it comes from above and all the foreign player-related activity in Scotland. Essentially, that’s one of the main causes.

“I love this place, and I’d like to stay there, but…

They want more Scottish players, and I respect that. I fully understand their desire. It’s a privilege to be here and to give back to the club and the nation because I’m not Scottish.

However, there are more homegrown talent and players with less non-Scottish qualifications.

Venter continued, “I didn’t like it, but it’s rugby and you don’t take anything personally.” When asked about the decision to let him leave, Venter said: “I didn’t like it.

You “understand things over time and just be better where you can be better, perform where you can, and enjoy every moment.” I’ll enjoy this week and, hopefully, the following week.

The daunting task of facing Leinster at Aviva Stadium in order to extend Warriors’ title defense is made in that remark.

Regardless of the outcome, Venter claims to treasure his time in Glasgow.

He continued, “This place is special for both my wife and our daughter. “Just an amazing journey for us,” he said.

Venter believes his Warriors team-mates can pull off what would be seen as a shock victory against the Irish giants in their own backyard despite April’s 52-0 defeat in Dublin.

You’re not always in a team with the potential to win, he said, “but we’re in it to win it.”