Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has dropped a fascinating bombshell ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster Test against England, revealing that Bristol Bears center Benhard Janse van Rensburg was eager to wear the green and gold before committing his international allegiance to England.
A prior agreement with World Rugby ultimately blocked the 29-year-old South African-born powerhouse from pursuing his Springbok dream, paving the way for his imminent debut for Steve Borthwick’s side.
The Midfield Crisis That Almost Sparked a Call-Up
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Erasmus confessed that SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer had approached him multiple times regarding Janse van Rensburg’s eligibility. With South Africa facing a temporary depth crisis in the midfield earlier in the year, Rassie was ready to pull the trigger.
- The Plan: Rassie intended to cap the hard-hitting Bristol midfielder during the June internationals.
- The Verdict: “If I tell the honest truth, he was very keen to come,” Erasmus admitted. “We know him well, he’s a tough man, and that’s why we considered him.”
- The Block: The plan was abruptly halted when Oberholzer reminded Erasmus of a previous, binding commitment made to World Rugby and England. The player had already firmly set his regulatory pathway toward representing his adopted nation.
No Hard Feelings From the Bok Camp
While Janse van Rensburg is currently in the England camp, he will forced to watch Saturday’s clash from the stands. Due to strict residency rules, he only officially becomes eligible on July 8, meaning his highly anticipated Test debut will likely come next week in England’s Nations Championship opener against Fiji.
Despite missing out on a player of his caliber, Rassie insists there is zero bitterness in the South African camp:
“Not at all. The fair thing is to give him a chance where he is. When South Africans do well overseas, we’re happy for them. Whether it’s Jacques Nienaber at Leinster, or Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman playing for Scotland—we are proud of our people succeeding.”
