Edinburgh has confirmed the signing of teenage centre Jordan Venter, who will join the Scottish club at the end of the academic year.

The 17-year-old Venter is a matriculant at Paul Roos, one of most prestigious rugby schools and academic institutions in South Africa.

On signing with the club, Venter said: ‘I’m very humbled by the opportunity to join Edinburgh. I’m still a young man with lots to learn, so getting the chance to develop my own game overseas is the best decision for my rugby career.

‘Edinburgh, as a city and as a club, has so much heritage and tradition. While the coaching staff and squad there are phenomenal. ‘I’ve also got a good relationship with some of the South African players already there, so it will make for an easy transition when I make the move to Scotland.

Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill added: ‘Jordan is a young, athletic centre with bags of potential. We have kept a close eye on his school career and he’ll be a welcome addition to the squad next season.’

Venter was born and raised in George and played for South Western Districts (SWD) at U13 level. He opted to attend high school at Paul Roos and has since played U16 for Western Province and captained the South African U18 Sevens team at the Capricorn Sevens in Namibia last month.

If Venter stays at Edinburgh or any other Scottish club, he will become eligible to play for Scotland at the age of 22.

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Photo: Paul Roos