The versatile Springbok and Lions forward, Ruan Venter, is proud he fulfilled a promise in Saturday’s historic Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein.

The colossal Venter made his Springbok debut in the second half against Os Lobos and during his short stint on the field he made a big impact at the Toyota Stadium. Venter, who previously played for the Lions and in Japan, said the debut was emotional and it was for his dad, Anton.

Ruan Venter. Photo: Morgan Piek.

“It was a very cool and very emotional experience for me,” said Venter. “With my family here, it was very special and for me, it was an amazing opportunity.

“Before my father passed away, I made a promise to him that I would do this for him one day. Today I could fulfill that promise. It’s an amazing opportunity – it was just an amazing and emotional moment.”

Ruan Venter is in the back row and fourth from left. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Springboks’ next Test is on 10 August against the Wallabies in Brisbane in round one of the Rugby Championship.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  dg/mvh