Gloucester are reportedly eyeing Sharks openside flanker James Venter, with the Premiership outfit keen on adding the 28-year-old to their back-row options. 

Venter joined the Sharks in 2020 after a stint with the Lions from 2016 to 2019. However, Rapport suggests that depth in the Sharks loose forward ranks, featuring talents like Siya Kolisi and Emmanuel Tshituka, might make Venter’s move plausible.

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If Venter does choose Gloucester, he would join fellow South African Ruan Ackermann, likely attracted by Gloucester’s high-paced style and potential for regular gametime. 

While his departure would create a selection headache for Sharks boss John Plumtree, especially after George Cronje’s early retirement due to injury, the Sharks have the resources to fill the gap.

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