Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has invited 16 uncapped players to the team's upcoming training camp, one of whom happens to be Andre Hugo Venter, who happens to be dating his daughter Nikki.
The 22-year-old, whose father is Bok legend Andre Venter, is one of the few players to have made it through the Stormers side.
On Monday, February 18, the national rugby team announced the names of 43 players likely to feature in the 2024 season.
The Boks next face Ireland in July.
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The list of 43 included faces old and new who will take part in the Springbok conditioning camp on March 5-6.
The group also includes 27 veteran players who have already made Test appearances. Meanwhile, 16 new uncapped players were also called to take part in the board session.
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One of them is Stormers player Andre Hugo Venter, who is dating Rassie Erasmus' daughter Nikki. The 22-year-old is the son of former Springbok flanker Andre Hugo, who also played alongside Rassie during his professional career.
Reacting to this news, many rugby fans claimed that Andre Hugo's position in the adjustment camp was likely due to “nepotism”.
Rugby journalist Jared Wright defended Rassie's decision.
“I feel sorry for Andre Hugo Venter,” he said on Twitter, “because if he was called up to my national team, there would definitely be complaints of nepotism.
“But he's actually a great player and deserves a call-up.”
Date with boss's daughter
Meanwhile, Nikki Erasmus congratulated his partner on his new career promotion. She shared a list of her coordinating team and posted on her Instagram Story, “You make me proud.”
The blonde bombshell WAG is one of the SA rugby manager's three children and is a twin with sister Carly Erasmus.
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Stellenbosch University student and model Nikki Erasmus has been dating the Stormers player for over two years.
Nicki has posted photos of her 2022 matric dance date, Andre Hugo, as well as photos of their adventurous outdoor dates.
She also revealed that she is the Stormers player's “biggest fan”.
