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Tuks No 8: FNB Varsity Cup keeps you positive

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FNB UP-Tuks No 8 Divan Venter tells VarsityCup.co.za about his passion for cattle farming and his rugby journey.

Where did you grow up?
I was raised in Moot in Pretoria and attended Die Hoërskool Menlopark just up the road.

Who inspired you to play rugby?
My father, who always told stories of when he played. We are also South African boys, so we grow up with rugby; it’s a natural thing to play. My parents play a big role in my life, especially my mom with my studies. She always tells me you must have something under your name. Their support helps me to make the correct decisions.

What are you studying at Tuks?
BScAgric Animal Science. I love agriculture and farming. On weekends I go to the farm to help my uncle with the cattle. It’s my passion. I love cattle, especially Brahman. I like learning from my uncle. If I wasn’t playing rugby, I would be a lot more focused on finishing my studies so I can do agriculture work and help my uncle.

Tell us about your rugby journey so far.
When I was in school I played all the youth weeks for the Bulls, including Craven Week. After that, in my Grade 11 year, they started talking to my father and in my matric year, they gave me a contract.

What was the highlight of playing for your school?
Menlopark’s biggest derby was against Garsfontein and everybody was always focused during the week of that game. It didn’t always go well but it was always great playing in that derby.

What’s it been like to be part of the Bulls set-up?
I was in the U19 squad but broke my ankle in our last training session [before the SA Rugby U19 Championship] and was ruled out for the season. I returned after my rehab and began training with the U21 squad in 2020 and then Covid-19 arrived. I got a few starting chances for the U21s later that year. I started three of the five games at No 8. It went well for me and we won the tournament.

And the Tuks set-up?
Going to Tuks was tough. I started as a junior again with Jaco Bezuidenhout and Hanru Sirgel being the seniors, and the coach moved me to lock for that 2021 season. I played three games off the bench and against Shimlas I tore ankle ligaments and missed the final. But the people who assist with the rehabilitation help you to come back stronger.

What’s your take on the FNB Varsity Cup?
It’s a great tournament. You don’t feel lost in the system when at a provincial union and playing Varsity Cup. It keeps you positive and gives you hope.

What are your rugby goals?
My goal is to enjoy the journey and see where it takes me. I would like to play at the Bulls again and enjoy my rugby.

Do you have any rugby superstitions?
On match day I don’t comb my hair. I also wear my lucky undies, which have grey and white stripes.

Interview by Lehlogonolo Ditshego 

Photo: Catherine Kotze/Varsity Cup

More Rugby news HERE. The FNB Varsity Cup and Shield is an annual South African Rugby tournament that involves the top rugby playing universities in SA. The FNB Varsity Cup was launched in 2008 with the tournament taking place over just six weeks, including a bumper weekend of matches in George. Koshuis Rugby also started in 2008. In the same year the White Card rule was adopted.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.