Lions cub James finds his roar
James attended Port Shepstone High initially before heading off to Glenwood High on a rugby scholarship when his outrageous talent became increasingly obvious.
He may not be the biggest on the field but that certainly doesn’t mean James Venter can’t stop the guy who is.
The young Lions cub is an open side flank (number 6) in the mould of a Heinrich Brussouw. Or Jaco Kriel.
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One of a crop of exciting young players at the Lions, he is currently making a name for himself at the age of just 22.
In an article on Rugby365, James was named as the number 6 of choice in the website’s Currie Cup team of the tournament.
“The new kid on the scene made quite an impression with his work with ball in hand and his effectiveness at the breakdowns. He has plenty of speed as well,” said the website.
James was in the starting line-up for the Currie Cup semi-final against the Sharks at King’s Park a few weeks, and that should tell you he is highly regarded.
Despite turning out for the Johannesburg-based franchise, he is a South Coast boy and his parents Dax and Giesela live in Umtentweni, as do his twin sisters.
James attended Port Shepstone High initially before heading off to Glenwood High on a rugby scholarship when his outrageous talent became increasingly obvious.
Aside from the shock of blond hair, James is also gaining (some) attention in that he kneels on the field to pray for a few moments before the game.
He’s a Christian and makes no secret of it.
He has thoroughly enjoying his time with the Lions, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Warren Whiteley (who also attended Glenwood High), Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Aphiwe Dyantyi and Elton Jantjies, among others.
James made his Currie Cup debut last year, playing four games, before an ankle injury saw him unable to play for the latter part of the season.
The young man has worked seriously hard on returning to full health and has probably never been in better shape physically.
His key role is to get as many ‘steals’ as possible. And man, he’s not afraid to put his body on the line.
Ask Sharks hooker Chiliboy Ralapele. The front page photo of the Sunday Tribune the day after the Currie Cup semi-final shows him pulling off a big hit, with Ralapele on his back.
As rugby fans know, the Sharks beat the Golden Lions and then went on to beat Western Province in the final at Newlands.
James enjoyed returning to the Shark Tank, where he played some junior rugby for the Sharks.
But he’s made the Lions his home, describing the environment as incredible. He knows he’s been given some wonderful opportunities to progress and intends making the most of them.
Springbok rugby has had at least two loose forwards by the name of Venter (André and AJ) … what are the odds of another donning the green and gold in years to come?
Judging by some comments from fans on rugby articles on various websites, this does not seem altogether impossible.
“Lions have found a star in James Venter, very promising player,” said one.
Speaking of the Boks, they play England at Twickenham this Saturday at 5pm.
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