Venter's Exiles' days look over

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.

“Brendan Venter left the field in the fourth minute of Sunday’s game against Leeds with an injury to his left knee,” said the club in a statement.

“While the outcome of a scan is awaited, Brendan and the club’s medical staff are confident that he has injured the medial ligament in his knee.

“Unfortunately, this means that Brendan will not play again this season.”