Venter calls time on Boks career
South Africa forward AJ Venter has announced his international retirement.
Versatile forward AJ Venter has announced his international retirement, rather than tour Australia and New Zealand with the South Africa Tri-Nations squad.
The 33-year-old has opted to forfeit his place in the under-strength Springboks' party in favour of prolonging his career with Super 14 side the Sharks.
Boks coach Jake White has courted controversy by leaving a number of his top names at home for the away games on July 7 and July 14 respectively.
Venter has therefore ruled himself out of the World Cup later this year, but he has no regrets about putting club before country at this late stage of his career.
"I did not want to retire outright without giving something back to the Sharks," Venter said in a statement from the club.
"I would like to leave here with the satisfaction of having contributed by imparting something on to the younger Sharks players."
Venter will see out his contract with the Sharks, which expires after the 2008 Super 14 season.
South Africa have named flanker Kabamba Floors and number eight Jacques Cronje in their revised squad to replace Venter and injured flanker Luke Watson.
Winger Tonderai Chavhanga has meanwhile been passed fit to tour after doubts surrounding his rib injury.
Revised squad: Backs: Tonderai Chavhanga, Michael Claassens, Bolla Conradie, Bevin Fortuin, Peter Grant, Derick Hougaard, Wayne Julies, Waylon Murray, Wynand Olivier, Breyton Paulse, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Jaco Pretorius. Forwards: Johan Ackermann, Eddie Andrews, Gary Botha, Deon Carstens, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Kabamba Floors, Hilton Lobberts, Johann Muller, Bob Skinstad, Albert van den Berg, Wikus van Heerden, Jacques Cronje, Cobus Visagie, Pedrie Wannenburg.
