Young rugby star shines at Diggers Club

At just 19, a dedicated young rugby player, Dylan Venter, is making waves at Diggers Rugby Club, Randburg, with aspirations of reaching the professional level.

Growing up, he discovered rugby by watching it on TV. “I fell in love with the passion for the game,” he says, a passion that has shaped his life. His biggest influence is former Springbok fly-half Patrick Lambie, whose skill and sportsmanship inspired him to pursue a path in the sport.

Venter chose Diggers Rugby Club because of its commitment to improvement. “The experience has been amazing,” he shares. “Every day, I see players, coaches, and the chairperson striving to improve the club.” This drive is reflected in his proudest achievement winning the league and gaining promotion to the Pirates Grand Challenge while going undefeated throughout the season.

Training and preparation are central to Venter’s routine. With three weekly gym sessions focused on cardio to maintain fitness, he enters each game mentally sharp and ready to perform. Once he’s on the field, he’s entirely focused, finding strength in his disciplined warm-up routine.

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As a leader within the U19 team, he embraces responsibility and hopes to continue growing in his role. His short-term goal is to add extra practice sessions to his routine, while his ultimate aim is to make it to the professional level. For now, he’s taken a gap year to focus solely on rugby, making balancing his athletic and academic life easier.

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When asked about the challenges he has faced, he speaks openly about the struggles of being overlooked at times. But, he says, “I never give up. I keep pushing through and have fun with it.” He handles defeat in the same way: by moving forward and focusing on the next match.

While he’s working to improve his kicking game, he still makes time for life outside of rugby, enjoying time with family and friends. He credits rugby for helping him learn to tackle life’s challenges by breaking them down into manageable steps.

For younger players with dreams of playing at his level, he offers simple but heartfelt advice: “Never give up on your dreams. Follow your passion, and always have fun doing it.”

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