Benhard Janse van Rensburg faced a troubling situation during the Gallagher Premiership match against Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate. The Bristol Bears centre was taken off on a stretcher after appearing to be knocked out during an attempted tackle on England teammate Henry Pollock.

The game was paused for an extended period to allow medical staff to attend to Janse van Rensburg, who was reported to be conscious and communicating as he left the field. Footage from the dressing room later showed the 29-year-old walking and chatting with teammates, indicating a positive recovery.

This incident marks the second serious occurrence for Janse van Rensburg in recent months, following a similar episode during his second international cap against Argentina in Santiago del Estero last July.

Before this incident, the South African-born midfielder had made a promising start to his Test career, scoring a try with his first touch against Fiji just a week prior at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Janse van Rensburg is anticipated to be a key player in Steve Borthwick’s squad as England prepares for the upcoming World Cup next year. Borthwick is set to announce a squad later in October in anticipation of the Nations Championship, which includes matches against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. England will also compete at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium during the finals weekend.