Cape Town - Former Springbok centre Brendan Venter has revealed that he will help Italy with their defence for the November internationals.
Venter, who facilitated SA Rugby’s coaching indaba in Cape Town this week, told Netwerk24 that he will assist the Azzurri on a short-term basis as defensive consultant next month.
Italy will play the Springboks in Florence on November 19.
Venter said his main focus is on his medical practice in Strand, but he has not ruled out the possibility of helping out at the Springboks in future.
“I already mentioned to Allister Coetzee (Springbok coach) two months ago that I’ve accepted an offer of defensive consultant at Italy.
“It’s a short-term deal, because my focus is mainly on my medical practice. In rugby, I currently only do consultation work. My focus as consultant will be on their (Italy’s) defensive structures. I’ll always have South Africa rugby’s best interests at heart.”
The 46-year-old Venter, who played 17 Tests for the Springboks between 1994 and 1999, is also the technical director of English club London Irish.