London Irish have appointed Brendan Venter as their technical director.

Venter first joined the London club as a player in 1997. He left in 1999, but returned as a player-coach in 2001 and was named England Rugby Overseas Player of the Season for the 2001-02 season and also the England Rugby Director of the Season, joint with Conor O'Shea. Venter made a total 84 appearances for the club before retiring in 2003.

The former Springbok centre, who was in the 1995 World Cup-winning squad, has also had coaching stints with Saracens and the Sharks.

Venter will form an integral part of the Exiles’ coaching staff for the upcoming English Championship season as the club aim to regain their English Premiership spot.

‘The main reason why I decided on London Irish is because I have so many good memories and friends who are still at the club,’ Venter said. ‘That made it a sound and easy decision for me to be part of the club going forward. The club has genuine ambition to compete in the Premiership and in Europe and has the foundations in place to enable it to do so. I’m looking forward to working with the players, coaches, board and management to realise the club’s ambitions.’

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