Benhard Janse van Rensburg Denies Springboks Call-Up Talks

England centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg has denied that he was involved in talks about a possible South Africa call-up before making his England debut. BBC Sport reported that the 29-year-old said he learned of Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus’ comments only after his father brought them to his attention.

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Janse van Rensburg was born in South Africa and represented the country at under-20 level. He became eligible for England this summer after living in the country for five years. The Bristol player made his Test debut against Fiji in Liverpool in July, scoring a try after coming on for Henry Slade during England’s 73-8 victory.

A week before that match, Erasmus had said Janse van Rensburg had been very keen during discussions with Springboks officials but was ultimately not selected. Speaking to BBC Sport’s Rugby Union Weekly, Janse van Rensburg said he had not heard anything from South Africa’s staff and had been unaware of any plan to select him. He acknowledged that he probably would have loved the opportunity, while emphasizing his commitment to doing his best for each team he represents.

His England selection has drawn criticism because he qualified through residency rather than the domestic development pathway. Former England scrum-half Danny Care, who won 101 caps, said the decision did not sit right with him. Former England centres Jeremy Guscott and Mike Tindall have also questioned the selection, according to BBC Sport.

Janse van Rensburg said he had tried to avoid the wider commentary but understood why people held different views. He said he could not necessarily prove critics wrong and instead wanted to perform as well as possible for the side selecting him. He described reaching Test rugby as both an honor and a privilege.

The centre made a second England appearance from the bench in a 31-24 victory in Argentina the following week. He said familiar connections within the squad helped him settle, including having previously played online video games with Leicester players Jack van Poortvliet, George Martin and Freddie Steward. Janse van Rensburg joined Bristol from London Irish in 2023 and now begins his England career amid continuing debate over international eligibility and competing accounts of South Africa’s interest.