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South African-born forward named on England bench for France XV match after five-year residency qualification
The 29-year-old South Africa-born forward qualifies for England in July after five years in the country. He will make his non-cap debut from the bench in Vannes on Friday.
Jun 19, 2:31 AM·2m read2 sources
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Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been named on the bench for England's non-cap fixture against a France XV in Vannes on Friday. The 29-year-old forward, born in South Africa, first moved to England in 2021 when he swapped Japanese side NEC Green Rockets for London Irish.
After an RFU appeal to World Rugby over his eligibility, he will qualify to play Test rugby for England in July after five years in the country.
Janse van Rensburg appeared for the South Africa under-20 side before relocating. He has trained with the England squad at Pennyhill Park this week alongside Max Ojomoh before the team travels to Vannes. George Ford, who will captain England in the match, said Janse van Rensburg has impressed his new teammates with his attitude.
"He's been brilliant, he's like an excitable kid," Ford said. "He's got so much energy and you can tell he's just obsessed with playing rugby. He not only loves the game, but loves training as well. " Head coach Steve Borthwick said the rest of the squad "think the world" of Janse van Rensburg since he was called up to a training camp for the first time in May.
"He's a wonderful character as well as being a really top-quality rugby player, so I'm looking forward to seeing him play when he comes on to the pitch on Friday night," Borthwick said. Bath's Max Ojomoh starts for England against the France XV after being left out of England's first training get-together for the summer in favour of Janse van Rensburg.
Borthwick said Ojomoh's attacking instincts are outstanding and noted the work he has done on the defensive side of his game and his off-the-ball running.
"On Friday night one of the things that's got to be really clear is how hard these players run, how hard these players work, particularly in defence and for each other," Borthwick said. Former England scrum-half Danny Care said talent which has been nurtured in England and through the nation's age-grade system should be prioritised.
