In this age of professionalism, a sporting career has many benefits but it has a limited lifetime and making sure that there’s a life after rugby is vitally important for those who play this wonderful game.
James Venter, Hollywoodbets Sharks flank and newly bestowed of a law degree (Cum Laude), has made sure of his long-term future through sheer hard work both on and off the field.
“I graduated with my LLB law degree and I can’t stress the importance of study enough,” he explains. “Rugby is such an amazing sport and gives you opportunities to study, allowing you to pursue an academic pathway.
“It’s an amazing career for 10 or 12 years if you’re lucky, but afterwards there is life, and some pursue other focuses, some don’t. It keeps you accountable as you pursue other hopes and dreams you have outside the game.”
He explains that his motivation to study came from his peers as well as his parents, both influenced his long-term choices.
“When I was a junior, the unions would have squads of up to 45 players and a lot of guys who I thought were really talented wouldn’t crack the nod. What motivated me was seeing how well they transitioned when their lives after rugby started at the age of just 21.
“My parents always placed a huge emphasis on studying, they’d both been to varsity and with rugby, you never know how far you’re going to go. So they motivated me and gave me a lot of support.
“I’ve also met some calm heads in the game, giving words of wisdom and advice. Someone like Craig Burden, whom I see a lot of in Ballito, told me to enjoy my rugby and make the most of it, but it’s real life and will one day end.”
All good things must come to an end, and after spending the last five years playing for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, he leaves at the end of the season to join up with Gloucester in England.
He admits that it is bittersweet, leaving the team he grew up supporting, hailing from Port Shepstone on the KZN South Coast, but looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead. But not before finishing on a high.
“I’m really excited to finish strong. The squad we have has really come together nicely, and the team chemistry makes for a strong connection. I’m really excited about the next couple of games leading up to the fina,l and I’ll be cherishing every minute on the park now and the memories we make.
“Rugby is such an awesome sport that gives you opportunities to travel the world. Rugby got me to Joburg to play a few seasons at the Emirates Lions, before playing for the childhood club that I grew up watching and supporting, to now I'm going to Gloucester, which will be an awesome experience.
“I’ll also be experiencing a different type of rugby as well. Playing Super Rugby demanded a certain kind of rugby IQ and adapting to that, to the URC and soon in the English Premiership, which has its own brand of exciting rugby. So I’m really excited to develop and experience everything that rugby can offer.”
Along with the move is the obvious growth and development as a rugby player, but he also looks forward to how the challenges shape him as a human.
“I’m sure the English culture will be completely different to what we experience in South Africa, which will take some adjusting, but that helps you develop your own independence and see what’s out there in the world.”
