Edinburgh prop Boan Venter earns Springboks call-up months before becoming Scottish qualified

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Edinburgh loosehead Boan Venter has earned a surprise South Africa call-up in a blow to Scotland's hopes of capping the 28-year-old.

Venter, born and raised in South Africa, signed for Edinburgh from Cheetahs in 2021 and is due to become Scottish qualified in February 2026 on residency grounds.

He has previously spoken about his desire to play for Scotland, external and follow in the footsteps of fellow South African-born props Pierre Schoeman and WP Nel.

However, Venter has now been selected in a 45-man squad as the Springboks prepare for a clash with the Barbarians on 28 June, before Tests against Italy and Georgia next month.

"Boan has been consistent for Edinburgh in the URC and the Challenge Cup, and he is familiar with the South African structures after playing for the Cheetahs and coming through our junior ranks, so we are looking forward to seeing him in action on the field," South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus said.

A Scottish Rugby directive to have fewer foreign players in professional club squads has led to Henco Venter and Sebastian Cancelliere leaving Glasgow in recent weeks.