Long-term loyalty: André-Hugo Venter signs extension to spend prime years at Stormers

Springbok hooker André-Hugo Venter has signed a contract extension with the Stormers that runs until 2029.

The combative hooker has played his entire professional career in Cape Town and is one of a growing group of players who are part of coach John Dobson’s Project 2029. Having lifted the URC trophy in 2022 at the young age of 20 and with 77 Stormers caps to his name, Venter is poised to hit his prime over the next three seasons.

The 24-year-old son of Springbok legend André Venter is a key member of the Stormers squad and, with one Springbok cap to his name, will continue to push for higher honours. Dobson said that keeping a player like Venter at this stage in his career is key to the Project 2029 strategy.

“André-Hugo made his senior debut at a very young age, and it was not long before he was a fixture in the squad," Dobson said.

"The fact that he has committed long-term shows the type of person that he is and is a testament to the positive environment we have here. He is competitive in everything he does and is very ambitious, which makes him the perfect fit for our team. He will contribute greatly to what we aim to achieve in the coming years,” he said.

Venter said that he will be putting all his focus into growing as a player.

“This is a great team to play for, and I have felt right at home since the day I started. I know that I will continue to grow in this environment, and I want to keep challenging myself in that regard," Venter said.

"It is very exciting to be a part of Project 2029; I really believe in what the management have planned for this squad and look forward to us reaching even greater heights."