Benhard Janse van Rensburg Prepares for Potential England Debut This Summer
Benhard Janse van Rensburg has earned his first call-up to an England squad, increasing the likelihood of his international debut this summer. The Pretoria-born centre joins the extended 42-man training squad announced by head coach Steve Borthwick after qualifying for England on residency grounds effective July 8. At 29 years old, Janse van Rensburg has been with London Irish since 2021 and has spent the last three seasons at Bristol, showcasing his powerful carrying, creative skills, and consistent performances that caught Borthwick's eye. While the Nations Championship opener against South Africa on July 4 will come too soon for his first cap, he will be available for the Tests against Fiji on July 11 and Argentina a week later. Previously, Janse van Rensburg made a 20-minute appearance for the South Africa Under-20s in 2016. However, a ruling by World Rugby confirmed that he is not tied to the Springboks due to exceptional circumstances following an appeal by the Rugby Football Union. Notably absent from the training squad are centres Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh, along with wing Henry Arundell, who faced criticism for defensive errors during the Six Nations. The squad includes promising newcomers such as Charlie Bracken and Archie McParland, while Noah Caluori, the Gallagher Premiership’s top scorer for the 2025-26 season, could also make his Test debut next month. George Martin returns after a long-term shoulder injury, and Kepu Tuipulotu from Bath strengthens the front row, especially with Luke Cowan-Dickie sidelined due to injury. As England prepares for a grueling summer schedule featuring Tests across three continents, there is consideration to rest some British and Irish Lions players, including captain Maro Itoje, to manage their workload ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-05-18