The Stormers have announced that Springboks hooker André-Hugo Venter has agreed terms on a contract extension with the United Rugby Championship (URC) outfit.
The 24-year-old, who is the son of legendary Springboks flanker Andre Venter, has recommitted his future to the Cape Town-based club until 2029.
The combative front-row forward has been a regular in the Stormers set-up in recent seasons after making his debut for them in 2020 and has joined a growing group of players who have recommitted to the club.
Third Stormers star to sign new deal in January
Amongst those players are fellow Springbok Evan Roos (number eight) and Wandisile Simelane (utility back), who both signed contract extensions with the Stormers earlier in January.
Venter was an integral part of the Stormers side which lifted the inaugural URC trophy as champions in 2022 at the tender age of 20 and has already made 77 appearances for the John Dobson-coached side.
He has also represented the Springboks in one Test, after making a try-scoring debut on his international debut against Portugal in 2024 and will continue to push for higher honours.
The Stormers believe Venter is poised to hit his prime over the next three seasons as he is a key member of their current squad.
Stormers director of rugby Dobson believes that keeping a player like Venter at this stage of his career is crucial to the club’s Project 2029 strategy.
“André-Hugo made his senior debut at a very young age and it was not long before he was a fixture in the squad,” he said. “The fact that he has committed long-term shows the type of person that he, is and is testament to the positive environment we have here.
Highly rated by Dobson
“He is competitive in everything he does and is very ambitious, which makes him the perfect fit for our team.
“He will contribute greatly to what we aim to achieve in the coming years.”
Venter said with his new deal now finalised, he will be putting all his focus into continuing to develop so that he can add even more to the men from Cape Town’s cause.
“This is a great team to play for and I have felt right at home since the day I started,” he said.
“I know that I will continue to grow in this environment and I want to keep challenging myself in that regard.
“I would like to thank everyone here who has played a role in my journey so far. I am incredibly thankful for everything I have learned, and excited to keep learning and improving as a player for this club.
“It is very exciting to be a part of Project 2029, I really believe in what the management have planned for this squad and look forward to us reaching even greater heights together in the future.”
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