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Jordan Venter links up with Bedford
Bedford Blues are delighted to continue preparations ahead of an exciting 2023/24 Championship campaign with the arrival of Jordan Venter from Bath Rugby.
The 21-year-old’s arrival will provide further competition in the centre positions alongside Jamie Elliott and Michael Le Bourgeois who have priorly been announced as staying with the club next season.
South African born Venter joins the club looking for a new challenge and a fresh start having found his final season in the West Country hampered by injury problems.
Now fully fit and raring to go, Venter said: “I’m really excited to be part of the group. I want to contribute as much as I can, and I feel like the Bedford style of play will really suit the way I look to play the game.
“It feels right to be joining the club in terms of my development. Back when I was at Taunton, Yappy [Former Blue, Tony Yapp] spoke so highly about Mike and the club so that made the decision very easy for me.
“This is the time for me to show what I’m capable of and I’m delighted that’s going to be at Bedford.”
Making a big impression in his homeland, including helping the 7s team to Capricorn Gold Cup success in 2020, Venter became the first foreign schoolboy to sign a contract with Scottish Rugby, joining Edinburgh.
Moving to Bath 12 months later, Venter featured heavily in the Premiership Rugby Cup before injury.
As part of his recovery, he spent the latter matches of the most recent season on loan at Taunton Titans, helping them to survival in National One on the final day of the season. He also spent a brief loan spell with Ampthill in his only prior Championship experience.
Discussing Venter’s arrival, Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer added: “We liked what we saw from Jordan’s highlights reel and feel he can bring some added value to the midfield through his hard running and uncompromising defence.
“Chatting with him, it was clear that our values aligned and he’s another one who wants to play regular rugby and kickstart his career again.”
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