/ 6 February 2000

VENTER TO STAY WITH SHARKS

SHARKS coach Hugh Reece-Edwards says eighthman AJ Venter will remain with the squad unless ordered otherwise by a court.

Venter missed his team’s 51-0 victory over Border in a pre-season friendly in East London on Saturday.

The mercurial eighthman is embroiled in a contractual dispute with the Golden Lions, and Venter has been barred from playing for either the Sharks or the Cats until the matter is settled in court.

Venter’s hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday.

Reece-Edwards said there is nothing the Natal Rugby Union (NRU) can do about Venter’s situation, in spite of him being a contracted player.