The player exodus at the Southern Kings is continuing, with Kings scrumhalf Shaun Venter the latest player to secure a contract with a Super Rugby franchise. Venter has signed a two year deal with the Cheetahs, commencing on the 1st November 2013.

Venter is a direct replacement for the departing Piet van Zyl, who is heading for the Bulls, after the Currie Cup. Venter is a big lad for a scrumhalf (183 cm/85 kg’s) and is an experienced player. He has been in good form for the Southern Kings during the recently completed Super Rugby competition. He will compete with Sarel Pretorius and Kevin Luiters for a Super Rugby berth. Tewis de Bruyn’s contract expires at the end of October 2013, and it is unclear if his contract will be renewed.

Shaun Venter:

Born in Witbank on 16 March 1987, Shaun attended Afrikaans High. He has mostly played scrumhalf, but has occasionally played flyhalf and is an able goal kicker. Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske is of the opinion that Venter does the basics of scrumhalf play well and has the X-factor he is looking for to spark the Cheetahs backline.

His playing record is as follows:

• 2006 – Mpumalanga (ABSA u/19 Competition, ABSA u/21 Competition)
• 2007 – Witbank Mica Pumas (Vodacom Cup, ABSA Currie Cup First Division)
• 2008 – Pumas (Vodacom Cup, ABSA Currie Cup First Division)
• 2009 – Pumas (ABSA Currie Cup First Division, ABSA Currie Cup Promotion/Relegation), South Africa (IRB Sevens Series, George)
• 2010 – Pumas (Vodacom Cup), Barloworld Toyota Pumas (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division, ABSA Currie Cup Promotion/Relegation)
• 2011 – Ford Pumas (Vodacom Cup, ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
• 2012 – Ford Pumas (Vodacom Cup, ABSA Currie Cup First Division), SA Barbarians North (Castle Incoming Tours)
• 2013 – Steval Pumas (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Southern Kings (Super Rugby, Super Rugby Promotion/Relegation)