Brendan Venter will remain with the Springboks as a defensive consultant until after their end-of-year tour of Europe.

Venter has been working alongside coach Allister Coetzee in a consultancy capacity since earlier this year, but there had been uncertainty regarding his involvement with the Boks after the Rugby Championship because of Venter’s contractual obligations to the Italian national team.

South Africa play four Tests against Ireland, France, Italy and Wales over the next two months, but the Italian Rugby Federation confirmed they expected Venter to work with the Azzurri during the November internationals.

But according to a report on Sport24.com, Venter will be with the Boks for three of their remaining end-of-year tour Test matches in 2017.

The 47-year-old, however, will not be involved or contribute in any way whatsoever in the lead-up to and during the Test between the Boks and Italy on 25 November.

The FIR confirmed Venter’s decision to abstain from the Test between the two nations will not impact on his role with the Azzurri as he will continue to deliver consultancy for them.

‘As you are aware, Brendan isn’t a full-time coach for FIR and will keep acting as a consultant for us as per agreement, as he did in the previous season.’

Venter was part of the Italy coaching staff when they beat the Springboks 20-18 in Florence last season.

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