Benhard Janse van Rensburg is on England's bench for the France XV match in Vannes on Friday, and rugby on TV will not be the only place to follow it because this is a non-cap fixture. George Ford will captain England, while Janse van Rensburg’s first possible run-out in an England shirt comes before he qualifies for Test rugby in July.
Ford’s praise was blunt. He said, "He's been brilliant, he's like an excitable kid," and added, "He's got so much energy and you can tell he's just obsessed with playing rugby." He also said, "He not only loves the game, but loves training as well," before finishing, "He gives us loads of energy and we're looking forward to seeing him play."
England and Vannes
Janse van Rensburg first moved to England in 2021, arriving from NEC Green Rockets to London Irish. That move matters here because the Rugby Football Union appealed to World Rugby over his eligibility, and the delay means Friday is a bench place rather than a capped debut. He was born in South Africa and appeared for the Springboks under-20 side.
The match itself is not a full international, so whatever happens in Vannes will not count as Test rugby. England still get a live look at a player they have tracked since May, when he was called up to a training camp for the first time.
Steve Borthwick and Danny Care
Steve Borthwick said the rest of the squad "think the world" of Janse van Rensburg. He added, "He's a wonderful character as well as being a really top-quality rugby player, so I'm looking forward to seeing him seeing him play when he comes on to the pitch on Friday night."
That support sits alongside criticism from Danny Care, who said talent nurtured in England and through the nation's age-grade system should be prioritised. England have chosen a different route for this match, giving a place on the bench to a player who will only become eligible for Test rugby in July after five years in the country.
France XV v England in Vannes now becomes the immediate checkpoint. If Janse van Rensburg does get on the pitch, England will have a clearer read on where he fits before July changes his status and the debate around his selection moves from eligibility to actual Test rugby value.
