CAPE TOWN - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee is pleased that Brendan Venter will finally join the team to “help turn things around” as defence coach.
Venter, who returned to London Irish to take up a role as technical director before joining Italy’s coaching staff as defence coach late last year, will act in a consulting capacity for the Springboks.
He will join the Boks for the second of three training camps in Stellenbosch on Monday.
Venter has become the Boks’ third defence specialist in Coetzee’s tenure. Chean Roux has since taken up the position of head coach with the Junior Boks.
The Lions’ JP Ferreira then acted as defence coach during the Boks’ end-of-year tour, after Roux was relieved of his duties.
“We know each other well since our time together at the Stormers, and we share the same values. He (Venter) will be responsible for defence and ‘exit’ strategies,” said Coetzee.
“Brendan is passionate about Springbok rugby, and wants to help turn things around. He was part of my plans in 2016 already but, unfortunately, he was not available because of commitments elsewhere.”
“We delayed confirming this appointment out of respect for Italy’s Six Nations campaign. The public delay did not interrupt our background planning.”
Venter played in 17 Tests and nine tour matches for the Springboks between 1994 and 1999. He was a replacement during South Africa’s historic victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup and also a member of the Boks’ 1999 RWC side.
He also played for the SA Schools team and the Junior Springboks, the Cheetahs and the Stormers.