England’s Care Criticizes SA-born Janse van Rensburg’s Selection for Red Rose Team

FORMER England scrumhalf Danny Care has raised concerns about the selection of South Africa-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg in England’s training squad for the upcoming Nations Championship Tests in July.

Janse van Rensburg, who had a brief stint with the Junior Boks in 2016, received clearance from World Rugby to represent England following an appeal by the Rugby Football Union. He qualifies under the five-year residency rule, having relocated to England in 2021 to join London Irish.

The 29-year-old centre from Bristol Bears has been picked by England coach Steve Borthwick as one of four specialist centres in a 42-man training roster.

His selection comes at the expense of Bath duo Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh, who are both regarded as strong domestic contenders.

Care expressed his views on the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast: “It doesn’t feel right to me to take away the chance for Max Ojomoh or Ollie Lawrence.

“Whether the selectors have reservations about these players personality-wise or technically, they are two young English lads who have aspired to represent England.

“I understand Janse van Rensburg has been in the country for five years and meets the residency requirement, but I believe that playing international rugby should be more exclusive than that.

“I mean no disrespect or xenophobia, but it doesn’t sit well with me.

“He played for South Africa Under-20s and aimed to play for the Springboks, but now that he’s qualified here, he’s saying ‘yeah, I’ll play for England.’”

England has been on the lookout for a dynamic, ball-carrying centre since Manu Tuilagi stepped away from the role in 2024, and coaches think Janse van Rensburg could bring that needed physicality.

He won’t be eligible for England’s first Nations Championship match against the Springboks on July 4, but might play against Fiji and Argentina later in the tour.