Injured Venter’s career at Exiles could be finished

LONDON IRISH player-coach Brendan Venter looks certain to have played his last game for the Zurich Premiership strugglers.

Venter, who is returning home to South Africa this summer after five years with Irish, suffered a knee injury during the Exiles’ 26-14 home defeat against Leeds two days ago.

Although Irish are awaiting scan results, the club’s medical staff are “confident” that former Springboks centre Venter has suffered a medial ligament injury.

If confirmed, it means he will miss Irish’s remaining two Premiership fixtures against Leicester and Bristol Shoguns, which are vital to the Exiles’ hopes of top-flight survival.

Irish are currently in 11th place, but only find themselves above bottom club Bristol on points difference, so the prospect of relegation looms large.

Meanwhile, Dan Luger could be playing his club rugby in France next season with Heineken Cup semi-finalists Perpignan.

Harlequins and England wing Luger, scorer of 21 tries in 32 Tests, has confirmed Perpignan are among the clubs he has had contact with.

“I’ve been in contact with Perpignan and some other clubs for discussions, but for now, my mind is focussed on Quins and playing well for them for the rest of the season,” he says on his website.

Luger, 28, joined Quins from Saracens last season, but missed much of the current campaign due to a knee injury.

He regained full fitness after Christmas and featured in all of England’s RBS Six Nations games.

Perpignan, who face Leinster on Sunday for a place in the Heineken Cup final, have drawn up plans to significantly strengthen their squad.

Luger apart, Australian centre Daniel Herbert and New Zealand back-row forward Scott Robertson are also believed to be major post-World Cup targets.