Henco Venter

Not to be confused with Hanco Venter.

Hendrik Petrus Venter (born 27 March 1992) is a South African rugby union player for Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship. He previously played for Sharks and Cheetahs.^[1] His regular position is flanker.

Henco Venter

Full name	Hendrik Petrus Venter
Date of birth	(1992-03-27) 27 March 1992 (age 33)
Place of birth	Bloemfontein, South Africa
Height	1.94 m (6 ft 4+1⁄2 in)
Weight	107 kg (16 st 12 lb; 236 lb)
School	Grey College
Notable relative(s)	Ruben Kruger, uncle
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker Youth career 2005–2013 Free State Cheetahs Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 2013–2015 UFS Shimlas 12 (0) Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2012–2019 Free State Cheetahs 38 (15) 2014–2016 Free State XV 8 (5) 2015–2019 Cheetahs 57 (15) 2018–2019 Toshiba Brave Lupus 11 (10) 2020–23 Sharks 32 (10) 2020–23 Sharks (Currie Cup) 8 (5) 2023– Glasgow Warriors 29 (20) International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2008 South Africa Under-16 Elite Squad Correct as of 27 January 2025

Rugby Union career

Youth and amateur career

Venter first played for Free State at the 2005 Under-13 Craven Week tournament. In 2008, he played for them in the 2008 Under-16 Grant Khomo Week and made it into an Under-16 Elite squad. He also played in the 2009 Academy Week. He played for Free State U19 in the 2011 Under-19 Provincial Championship competition and for Free State U21 in the 2012 Under-21 Provincial Championship and 2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship competitions.

Venter also played Varsity Cup rugby for UFS Shimlas. He was named in a Varsity Cup Dream Team at the conclusion of the 2015 Varsity Cup tournament which played one match against the South Africa Under-20s in Stellenbosch.^[2]

Professional career

Venter made his first class debut for the Free State Cheetahs in the 2012 Currie Cup promotion/relegation series against the Eastern Province Kings.^[3] He was also included in their squad for the 2013 Currie Cup Premier Division competition.^[4]

In July 2014, Venter signed a new contract with the Free State Cheetahs until the end of 2015.^[5]

He signed with Glasgow Warriors for the 2023–24 season. He made his competitive debut for the Glasgow side against Leinster at Scotstoun Stadium. Glasgow ran in seven tries in a 43–25 victory. He became Glasgow Warrior No. 353.^[6] He won Warrior of the Month for March 2024 and made a donation to Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity as part of the award.^[7]

Family

Venter is the nephew of the late South African international rugby player Ruben Kruger.^[8]