Rassie reveals why Benhard Janse van Rensburg chose England
VIDEO: Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s inclusion in England’s squad may have reignited the residency debate, but according to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, the powerful centre didn’t choose England because South Africa didn’t want him.
He chose England because they could offer him something the Springboks couldn’t.
Erasmus revealed on Tuesday that the Bristol Bears star was firmly on the Springboks’ radar earlier this year and was even being considered for a call-up during the June international window.
But there was one problem.
The Springbok coach couldn’t honestly promise the former Cheetahs and Griquas midfielder a Test cap.
“We had conversations with him, and he was very keen to come,” Erasmus revealed.
“Our CEO asked me if I was interested in Benhard Janse van Rensburg and I said yes, obviously we were. We just had to see where he fitted into our pecking order.”
That pecking order ultimately proved decisive.
When asked whether Janse van Rensburg would play Test rugby in 2026, Erasmus refused to make promises he couldn’t keep.
“He asked me, ‘Are you going to cap him this year?’ and I said, ‘No, I don’t think so.'”
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Ironically, injuries later left South Africa short of midfield options for the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ fixture, prompting Erasmus to revisit the idea.
By then it was too late.
“When I phoned the CEO, he said we couldn’t because he had already committed to England and to World Rugby that we wouldn’t go that route. We were looking at him, but because of the promise we made, we didn’t pursue it.”
The reality is that the Springboks aren’t short of midfield talent.
Jesse Kriel remains one of the world’s premier outside centres, Damian de Allende continues to anchor the No.12 jersey, André Esterhuizen offers a completely different physical dimension, as does Ethan Hooker.
Behind them is another conveyor belt of talent from the current Junior Springboks, including Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Luan Giliomee, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Cheswill Jooste, Jordan Steenkamp and Zekhethelo Siyaya.
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#SPOTLIGHT: The clever Rassie move that could trouble England 👇#NationsChampionship #SouthAfrica #Springboks #England #RSAvENG https://t.co/Ya4KosICui
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South Africa’s production line means competition is arguably tougher than anywhere else in world rugby.
England, meanwhile, saw an opportunity. And on current form, few can argue with it.
The Bristol centre has developed into one of the Premiership’s standout midfielders.
At 1.88m and more than 100kg, he combines the power of a traditional inside centre with the skill set of a former flyhalf, capable of carrying over the gainline, distributing under pressure and kicking comfortably from hand.
His man-of-the-match performance against Bath in the Premiership playoffs, where he inspired Bristol’s comeback while outperforming England internationals Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh, only strengthened the case for his international selection.
Erasmus admits the Springboks knew exactly what England were getting.
“He’s from the Free State, he played for Griquas. We know him well. He’s a tough boy… a tough man. That’s why we considered him.”
The Springbok coach also dismissed any suggestion of bitterness over Janse van Rensburg’s decision.
Instead, he believes South Africans should celebrate one of their own succeeding on the international stage, even if it comes in another jersey.
“People don’t believe us, but when Jacques Nienaber does well at Leinster, we’re happy for him. When Duhan van der Merwe or Pierre Schoeman do well overseas, it’s still a South African doing well.
“Of course, when they play against us, we want to smash them and beat them. But when South Africans succeed, we’re happy.”
And perhaps his strongest message was reserved for England supporters.
“Give him a chance,” Erasmus said.
“In my opinion, if he can make the team better and he deserves it, then it’s a good thing.”
